Sustainability Report

While not formally quantified, the project incorporates measures to reduce embodied carbon, including material efficiency, reuse, and short supply chains.

Q&A with Massimo Galeotti, co-founder of GALEOTTI/RIZZATO ARCHITETTI

Q. Was low-carbon or alternative concrete considered or used in the project?

Massimo Galeotti: “Yes, this was a key consideration from the outset. While we opted for a traditional concrete mix, we selected one that complies with CAM (Minimum Environmental Criteria), a standard increasingly required in Italy, especially for public works. This meant that the concrete contained a proportion of recycled materials, such as aggregates from demolition waste, resulting in slight variations in texture and composition between pours. To ensure consistency in both performance and appearance, we chose to source exclusively from a single cement plant, selected for the reliable quality of its recycled components.”

Q. Has the embodied carbon of the new volume been measured or mitigated in any way?

Massimo Galeotti: “Although no formal LCA was carried out, the project followed a design logic focused on impact reduction through structural and material efficiency. The new volume was designed in exposed concrete, where the structure also serves as the final surface finish, eliminating the need for additional layers or materials. This strategy not only reduces the overall quantity of materials used, but also minimises long-term maintenance and replacement impacts. Furthermore, the construction relied heavily on local labor and suppliers, supporting a short supply chain and reducing transport-related emissions.”

Strategies to reduce operational emissions include passive design, photovoltaic generation, and natural cooling.

Q. Beyond the photovoltaic panels, were any passive or energy-efficient design strategies incorporated?

Massimo Galeotti: “Absolutely. Several passive design strategies were integrated to enhance energy efficiency: the new volume is oriented to maximise natural daylight and ensure cross-ventilation; a large ground-floor window is shaded by a concrete overhang, which reduces solar gain during the warmer months; on the upper floors, external shading curtains provide further solar protection; existing and new vegetation contributes to natural cooling and enhances microclimatic comfort; and the permeable patio and garden layout promote water infiltration and help reduce the heat island effect.”

Q. Was the restoration of the villa guided by sustainability criteria, such as material reuse or minimising demolition waste?

Massimo Galeotti: “Yes, the restoration combined a conservation-led approach with sensitivity to sustainability. The original timber floors and beams were preserved and reused wherever possible. Demolition was selective, with the aim of salvaging materials and minimising waste. Any new additions, such as the black iron staircase, were designed to be reversible and clearly distinguishable, respecting the building’s historic character without resorting to mimicry. The historic garden was restored and enriched with native species, and a low-water-consumption irrigation system was installed.”