Casa Maloni is a restored farmhouse in Nibbiano, in the Val Tidone area, on agricultural land sloping toward the left bank of the Tidone river. The recovery project was carried out by Studio Sonia Calzoni.
The complex is typical of the Apennine landscape around Piacenza: a stratified rural structure shaped by many additions over time. Calzoni’s intervention focused on preserving local materials and maintaining the continuity of the original construction system.
The old barn kept its brick load-bearing structure and roof tiles, while the bays were closed with glass and steel panels, creating a transparent living volume. In the larger body of the farmhouse, the ground floor became the day area, including the entrance porch, while the upper floor became the sleeping area.
Outside, the stone portions were restored and the new infill elements were clad with natural wooden slats placed lengthwise. The energy strategy included thick masonry, a ventilated roof, solar panels for hot water, and carefully positioned new facade openings to improve ventilation.
The project was selected as the third-place winner in the 2011 National Bioarchitecture Award, Costruire nel Costruito / Recuperare l’Esistente, organized by Bioarchitettura and IN/ARCH.
After reviewing 63 projects, the jury awarded first prize to Zenale Building Renovation in Milan by Filippo Taidelli, second prize to Fabbrica Nuova in Murano by Massimo Gin, and third prize to Val Tidone Agricultural Village / Casa Maloni by Sonia Calzoni.
miranda_shida
Anna Lohan
Lincoln Matheson
