Sustainable Agritourism Architecture: Locanda Case Vecie by MASAAI Studio

Nestled in the picturesque hills of Verona near Grezzana, Italy, the Locanda Case Vecie project by MASAAI Studio stands as a beacon of sustainable agritourism architecture. This 600 m² estate, set within a vast 70-hectare agricultural ecosystem, is at the heart of a comprehensive redevelopment program aimed at fostering a new form of tourism that is deeply connected to the natural landscape and local culture.

Design Philosophy

A Master Plan for Experiential Tourism

The redevelopment of Locanda Case Vecie is part of a broader hospitality master plan designed to span over ten years. The project seeks to recover and repurpose existing ruins, introduce new agricultural centers, and create spaces for glamping, camper pitches, and thematic routes. This approach underscores a commitment to sustainable and experiential tourism that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty and tranquility of the Veronese countryside.

Harmonizing Tradition with Modernity

The Locanda Case Vecie serves as a guest house that offers dining, wine tasting, and lodging, blending the site's rustic charm with contemporary design elements. The project carefully preserves the original character of the rural estate while integrating modern technologies and materials associated with wine production. The result is a space that honors its heritage while catering to the needs and comforts of today's travelers.

Key Features

The Guest House and Agritourism Complex

At the heart of the estate is the guest house, designed to host up to 10 people across fully equipped apartments. The ground floor features an open tavern with a kitchen and serving counter, workspaces, and a wine-tasting room dedicated to showcasing the vineyard's products. The design retains the original stone walls, tuff frames, and lime-based plasters, complementing them with materials like galvanized iron, reinforced glass, laminated fir wood, and industrial concrete.

Sustainable and Social Spaces

The project introduces a green pergola and an outdoor cycle workshop in the courtyard, transforming it into a vibrant social hub for locals and tourists alike. This space, along with the extensive network of hiking trails originating from the property, encourages community engagement and active exploration of the surrounding landscape.

The Locanda Case Vecie by MASAAI Studio exemplifies the principles of sustainable agritourism architecture, marrying the preservation of cultural heritage with the pursuit of environmental sustainability and social inclusivity. Through its thoughtful design and commitment to revitalizing the local ecosystem, the project offers a model for future developments in agritourism, demonstrating how architecture can play a pivotal role in enhancing the tourism experience while respecting and enriching the natural and cultural landscape.

All Photographs are the work of Francesca Iovene