Studio Bressan has successfully transformed a historic rural farmhouse into a stunning contemporary residence by adding a striking double-height glass portico to the property known as Casolare Biordo Vecchio. The renovated home is nestled in the picturesque hills of Asolo, Italy, where the architectural firm has masterfully balanced preservation of the building's traditional character with modern design elements.
The new glass extension serves as a contemporary interpretation of the original dwelling's traditional covered porch, creating a deliberate shift from the farmhouse's previously introverted design to a more open, outward-facing structure. While the original stone facade maintains its discreet and historic appearance, the modern addition completely opens the home's interior spaces to the surrounding landscape, establishing an ongoing visual conversation between the building and its natural environment.
Situated on a natural slope along Via Biordo Vecchio, the renovated farmhouse sits within a small cluster of homes that face the public road. Upon entering through the gate, visitors first encounter the home's modest presentation, dominated by the original stone facade that preserves the building's rich history while ensuring privacy for the interior spaces. However, the main architectural feature reveals itself when one moves around the southeast corner, where the expanded southern portico with its new double-height glass volume creates a dramatic fan-shaped opening.
This innovative glass extension frames the surrounding greenery and captures panoramic views of the landscape, effectively transforming the living area into a bright, light-filled space. The design brings natural illumination deep into the home while maintaining the connection to the tranquil hills that characterize this region of Italy.
Inside the renovated farmhouse, the interiors feature warm and bright spaces defined by a carefully selected palette of natural and textured surfaces. The flooring combines beautiful oak wood with travertine stone, while light plaster finishes and exposed wooden beams tell the story of the building's strong connection to traditional Italian architecture. Natural light floods through wide openings throughout the home, creating soft, welcoming atmospheres in every room.
The new glass portico functions as a living frame that brings the peaceful ambiance of the surrounding hills directly into the interior spaces. The spatial organization follows clear and functional principles, with the living area designed as a single, flowing space that maintains visual continuity with the outdoor environment. Meanwhile, the upstairs bedrooms retain a more intimate and private character, providing residents with quiet retreats from the more social areas below.
On the exterior, the architects have carefully preserved the exposed stone walls and traditional pitched roof, which honor the region's typical architectural language and historical building methods. A natural, muted color palette helps the renovated farmhouse blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, ensuring that the modern additions complement rather than compete with the natural beauty of the Asolo hills.
The project represents a successful example of how contemporary architectural interventions can enhance historic structures while respecting their original character. Studio Bressan's thoughtful approach demonstrates that modern additions can create new possibilities for light, views, and indoor-outdoor living while maintaining the authentic charm and cultural significance of traditional Italian farmhouse architecture.
