Demolition project for an existing building and construction of a new residential building and underground parking lot - 2023 - under construction

TYPE: MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL BUILDING

LOCATION: MUNICIPALITY OF VENTIMIGLIA (IM) - LATTE - VIA LIBERO ALBORNO

CLIENT: PRIVATE

YEAR: 2023

VOLUME: 1,350.00 CBM

The project involves the demolition and reconstruction of the existing building, constructed around the 1930s, located on Via Libero Alborno, in the Latte area, along the terraces of the first hill. Restoration of the original building is not possible due to the compromised load-bearing structure and existing cracks, as shown in the attached photographs. Typologically, the house is a typical Ligurian country home intended for agricultural use, characterized by simple, square shapes and no particularly valuable architectural elements. The building is isolated and well-positioned within its surrounding context. The current access is both pedestrian and vehicular, accessible to small vehicles, via a walkway built before 1967. The topography of the land is terraced, with medium- and large-sized terraces. The retaining walls, made of exposed local stone, show evident subsidence, due to weather factors and the presence of wild fauna, such as wild boars. The area is covered with brambles and spontaneous vegetation; there are no valuable trees, except for a few poorly maintained and abandoned olive trees. Environmental redevelopment of the property and the surrounding land is essential to ensure landscape protection and reduce the risk of fires or nesting wildlife. The existing building, on two levels, has a hipped roof made of Marseille tiles, yellow ochre plaster, and green wooden shutters. Nearby is a small building used as a storage/warehouse, partially in ruins, with rubble still visible. The project involves the complete demolition and reconstruction of the building, with an increase in volume as required by the "Piano Casa" law, while maintaining the height and typical proportions of the existing structure. The new building will be two stories, maintaining the existing dominant height and a simple, linear floor plan. The architectural typology recalls traditional Ligurian houses, with vertical openings and louvered shutters in a shade of green, while the terraces will be enhanced with pergolas for climbing plants, integrating the project into the rural context. The hipped roof will be covered with Marseille tiles, and the facades will be finished in yellow ochre plaster, like the original building. Despite the increase in volume, the new project has a less visually striking impact thanks to the fragmentation of the volumes and the integration of green pergolas. The final building will have a traditional appearance, with some functional contemporary elements. The driveway will be accessed via a 3.00-meter-wide path, directly connected to Via Libero Alborno and following the natural contours of the terraces, thus reducing excavation and backfilling. Part of the path will be buried to allow for the creation of a green roof and the trench leading to the underground garage. All new walls will be clad in exposed local stone, while existing ones will be restored and secured. The project also has a cultural and social purpose, creating a connection between the Latte area and the culinary students of the University of Brussels, who will be hosted in the residence, fostering the exchange of culinary traditions of Western Liguria. Part of the land will be designated as a garden with local plants, additional olive groves, and vegetable gardens, contributing to the agricultural and environmental enhancement of the area.