Set in the rural landscape of Istria, Casa Milanesi transforms a century-old barn into a contemporary home while preserving the character of its original architecture.

The project is part of ALT Spaces’ ongoing Casa series, which explores the adaptive reuse of historic buildings through a contemporary residential lens. For Casa Milanesi, the challenge was to introduce the comfort and functionality of modern living without losing the atmosphere, materiality and structural qualities of the original barn.

The interior is defined by a restrained palette of natural materials and contrasting warm and dark tones. Bleached oak, beige plastered surfaces and pale stone are balanced by darker walnut elements, handcrafted details and textured finishes. Rather than competing with the existing architecture, the new interventions were designed to frame and enhance it.

A new living-room volume extends the original stone structure and opens the house towards the garden through large glazed surfaces. Its flat roof creates a deliberately contemporary contrast to the historic building, while the interior remains closely connected to the rural context. Views extend towards the pool, olive trees and surrounding landscape.

At the centre of the living space, the fireplace combines a clean architectural form with tactile ceramic tiles that reference traditional tiled stoves. A continuous built-in bench runs between the dining and living areas, providing informal seating, storage and a place for firewood. Above it, a suspended metal and timber shelving system introduces a lighter layer for books, objects and planting.

The kitchen is conceived as the social centre of the house. A large island anchors the space, while a timber structure suspended above it is used for drying herbs gathered from the garden. This functional element also recalls the agricultural rituals once associated with rural Istrian interiors.

Throughout the bedrooms, exposed stone walls are paired with softer layers of texture, including wallpaper, linen and muted textiles. The bathrooms take on a more intimate atmosphere, using deep terracotta and earthy tones inspired by the colour of Istrian soil.

Casa Milanesi is conceived as a dialogue between preservation and transformation. Existing architectural elements are retained where possible, while contemporary additions introduce new ways of living within the historic shell. The result is a home that remains closely connected to its rural origins while offering the clarity, comfort and material refinement of a contemporary interior.