A 1970s house in South Tyrol transformed into three independent apartments

The transformation of existing buildings into modern and functional spaces is a growing trend in contemporary architecture. This approach not only revitalises old structures but also promotes sustainability by utilising already existing resources. The Italian firm Messner Architects exemplifies this practice with the RVTK project in South Tyrol, where a house built in 1978 has been expanded and reconfigured to create three independent apartments.

A building with a new reconfiguration and design

The RVTK project, situated on a gently sloping site in Silandro, was originally a single-family home. Built in 1978, the initial structure had a partially underground ground floor. In 2020, the owners commissioned Messner Architects to renovate and expand the building, with the goal of transforming each of its three floors into independent apartments.

Karina Castro

Although the original structure remained largely unchanged, one of the most significant modifications was the removal of the gable roof to allow for the expansion of the second floor. This change involved adding a large gable roof and a terrace that offers breathtaking views of the valley and surrounding mountains. According to the firm, "due to urban planning restrictions, the only possibility to expand the existing volume was primarily to rebuild the existing attic floor, which involved raising it by another half floor and adding a roof."

One of the main challenges of the project was to meet the diverse needs and preferences of the residents, who vary in age and lifestyle. Messner Architects aimed to offer a high quality of life and customised solutions for each tenant. "The main challenge was to manage the coexistence of different characters, ages, and needs and to offer everyone a high quality of life and tailored solutions," explained the firm.

Karina Castro

Each of the three levels of the RVTK has a unique external finish that visually distinguishes each apartment. The ground floor features a light plaster coating, the first floor is clad with aluminium panels, and the upper floor uses wood for its cladding. This variety of materials not only adds visual interest but also reflects careful consideration of the setting and function of each level.

The large windows of each apartment allow for panoramic views of the city and mountains, while more private areas, such as bedrooms and work spaces, are located at the back with smaller windows facing the street. "As one of the clients had worked in the metallurgy sector, the chosen material was a continuous façade cladding with folded raw aluminium elements," explained the firm.

Karina Castro

Flexible interior spaces

Inside, Messner Architects chose a palette of understated materials, using light wood and exposed concrete. This deliberately minimalist design allows residents to personalise and adapt the spaces to their own needs and preferences. The layout of the apartments follows the existing structural framework, consisting of load-bearing exterior walls and a central internal wall. This concept was repeated in the addition of the third floor, ensuring consistency and structural stability.

Karina Castro

The project also incorporates niches, loggias, balconies, and terraces that provide sheltered outdoor areas with various views of the surroundings, ensuring the privacy of the residents. "The niches, loggias, balconies, and terraces create protected outdoor areas with different outlooks on the environment and ensure the privacy of all residents," added the firm.