Italian architecture firm NOA has revealed ambitious plans for Renneria, a groundbreaking 13-hectare neighborhood development on the outskirts of Bolzano, Italy. Located in the stunning South Tyrolean landscape of the Italian Dolomites, this innovative project promises to redefine sustainable urban living through a unique blend of agricultural heritage and modern community design. The development, promoted by the Gazzini real estate group, will transform a former agricultural area in Pineta di Laives into a vibrant mixed-use community housing approximately 800 residential units.
The neighborhood takes its name from the historic 14th-century farmstead Maso Renner, reflecting the project's deep respect for local history while embracing contemporary urban planning principles. "Renneria's location makes it naturally suited to accommodate a new district," explain Luca and Matteo Gazzini of the Gazzini real estate group. "Bordering a settlement, an artisan district, and an arterial road, it already belongs to an urbanized fabric. Renneria harmoniously completes this development." The site addresses one of the region's most pressing challenges: the urgent need for sustainable housing growth that respects both environmental concerns and community needs.
NOA's masterplan centers around the concept of "functional proximity," creating a compact village-like environment where residents can access housing, workspaces, educational facilities, and leisure amenities within walking distance. The design prioritizes pedestrian and bicycle movement over car traffic, with an extensive network of linear gardens replacing traditional streets. "Four words guided our vision: residential, cultural, communal, and collaborative," says Lukas Rungger, NOA's founder and project architect. "Residential, because we offer diverse and inclusive housing typologies. Cultural, because new institutions stimulate the district's intellectual life. Communal, because Renneria retains the scale of a village. And collaborative, with urban gardens at the core of this participatory dimension."
Agriculture plays a central role in the Renneria masterplan, with productive landscapes including urban gardens, orchards, and green roofs extending the legacy of the original Maso Renner farmstead. These agricultural elements serve multiple purposes, functioning as local food systems, educational spaces, and community gathering areas. "Renneria will host a one-of-a-kind agricultural school, a true open-air laboratory," add the Gazzini brothers. "The 70,000 square meters of greenery, fruit trees, herbs, and biotopes will become an integral part of the educational path, transforming the neighborhood into a distributed classroom."
The neighborhood's green infrastructure unfolds through carefully planned topographical variations. To the west, a linear park creates a buffer against the adjacent traffic corridor while providing a shaded route for pedestrians and cyclists. Green corridors radiate outward from this central spine, connecting residents to the panoramic Seit viewpoint, where a new belvedere will offer breathtaking views across the valley and the majestic Dolomites mountain range.
Public life in Renneria revolves around three distinct squares, each designed to foster social interaction, ensure safety, and create urban vibrancy throughout the year. "They are designed for social interaction, safety, and urban vibrancy," explains Andrea Dal Negro, architect at NOA. "Through fountains, trees, and paving variations, these spaces act as outdoor living rooms, active throughout the year." Each square has been given a unique character and purpose: the southern square will host markets and community events, the central square will feature cafés and retail shops, while the northern square focuses on education, integrating student housing and workshops with areas designated for play and learning.
Mobility within Renneria follows a clear hierarchical system that prioritizes sustainable transportation. A ring road borders the entire site, with strategically placed underground parking facilities at key access points. Within the neighborhood, streets emphasize greenery and encourage slow, mindful movement. An internal grid of pedestrian and cycling paths forms the backbone of the transportation network, supported by three kilometers of dedicated bike lanes. This car-free internal environment significantly enhances air quality and reduces noise pollution, creating a healthier living environment for all residents.
Architecturally, Renneria's buildings emerge organically from the terrain itself through NOA's innovative concept of "extruding the landscape." This approach transforms the natural contour lines of the site into built form, with structures rising gently along the slope to create a seamless transition between the urban development and the surrounding countryside. Building facades feature distinctive timber slat cladding – horizontal slats for residential volumes and vertical slats for civic buildings – creating a subtle yet engaging interplay of texture and rhythm that responds beautifully to the unique quality of Dolomite mountain light.
Green roofs extend throughout the development, serving dual purposes as communal gardens and energy-efficient building elements. "The buildings vary in height to preserve panoramic views and maximize natural light and ventilation," says Dal Negro. "For public structures on sloping ground, entrances appear on multiple levels, producing layered, engaging spaces." This thoughtful approach to building design ensures that every structure contributes to the neighborhood's overall sustainability goals while maintaining the spectacular mountain views that make this location so special.
The Renneria project represents a significant step forward in sustainable community development, demonstrating how modern urban planning can honor agricultural heritage while meeting contemporary housing needs. Through its integration of productive landscapes, car-free mobility, and community-focused design, this innovative neighborhood promises to serve as a model for future developments in mountainous regions worldwide.
