"In relation to the environment, the architect has a duty to always be active. Preserving does not mean renouncing human action on the environment but implementing action that is compatible with its natural and historical characteristics," stated Edoardo Milesi.

Dealing with the renovation and revitalization of an abandoned historic farmhouse in an untouched environment, just a stone's throw from the city, is not an everyday opportunity. It's a captivating challenge that prompts us to contemplate the future of historic architecture, a topic as relevant and necessary as ever.

The two buildings are arranged around a central courtyard, following the typical layout of Lombard rural architecture. Extensive historical research and stratigraphic analysis were indispensable to the design process.

The project focused on repurposing the buildings for residential use while respecting the original farmhouse's typological layout. This entailed restoring and preserving the authentic architectural and material elements while removing or reinterpreting recent additions that did not align with the original forms and layout.

The conservative approach of the project harmoniously combines with contemporary living needs through carefully identified and shared solutions. For instance, out-of-place additions have been replaced with functional elements of contemporary architecture. New glass and steel solar greenhouses serve as filters between the home and the outdoors and act as solar accumulators during the winter.

The prevailing materials are exposed brick and naturally oxidized wood, with iron, glass, and raw cement used for explicitly added parts. The building is highly energy-efficient thanks to integrated solar greenhouses and a geothermal system.

The landscaping of the nearly 5,000 square meters of parkland surrounding the farmhouse plays a crucial environmental role in reconnecting the renovated architecture with its authentically agricultural surroundings. The green areas around the farmhouse serve as both a protective element and a domestic production space. The choice of plant species takes into account the orientation, shading of the buildings, and the nearby watercourse, which, although artificial, contributes to modifying the area's microclimate.