Architects: studio wok
Area: 300 sqm
Year: 2021
Photographs: Simone Bossi
Manufacturers: Progetto Benessere, QUADRO
Builder: Offstage, Milano
City: Cossano Belbo
Country: Italy
Cascina Otto House is a farmhouse conversion designed by Studio Wok near S. Bovo Hill that transforms the existing structure into a multifunctional space for hosting, potential artistic residence, or vacation rental. The project, located in a vineyard-surrounded rural landscape, retains the building’s typological identity and traditional architectural elements while integrating contemporary materials and design features. The redesign includes an open-plan barn area, a new balcony, exposed Langa stone masonry, and an infinity pool that mirrors the scenic surroundings.
The farmhouse is located on the road leading to the top of S. Bovo Hill and is surrounded by vineyards in a rural and suggestive landscape. A young couple from Berlin commissioned the conversion of the nondescript building into a convivial space to host friends, which could also serve as an artistic residence or vacation rental.
The two-level building features an “L” shape that overlooks a courtyard. It includes an older section oriented northeast/southwest, already divided into pass-through rooms and storage spaces, and a large barn with a stable on the ground floor.
The first design task was to clarify the floor plan. The barn was preserved as an open space, becoming the house’s heart, hosting the kitchen, dining, and living areas. A 15-meter-long window was installed, defining the transition between the interior and the landscape while exposing the old brick pillars.
A new balcony, connected to the courtyard via an external staircase, reorganizes room access and gives uniformity to the building’s front, recalling typical rural architectural elements of the area.
Material choices blend local tradition with contemporary design. The original plaster on the facades was removed to reveal the “Langa stone” masonry with brick inserts. Traditional architectural elements have been preserved and enhanced.
The integration of new elements with existing structures creates a timeless stratification. The internal floor of the living area, external walkways, sidewalks, and the new top curb that becomes the tympanum are made of exposed concrete, echoing the Langa stone’s texture and color.
An infinity pool was added to the garden, positioned on the slope to reflect the sky and mirror the surrounding vineyards.
Project Gallery
Project Location
Address: Cossano Belbo, Piedmont, Italy
The location specified is intended for general reference and may denote a city or country, but it does not identify a precise address.
