Cascina House by Jonathan Tuckey Design: A Sustainable Revival of a Historic Italian Farmstead

In the rolling hills of Northern Italy’s Piemonte region, Jonathan Tuckey Design has masterfully restored a 19th-century farmstead into a light-filled residence and creative studio. Designed for a fashion designer and naturalist, Cascina House blends rural Italian heritage with contemporary sustainable design, offering a model for how adaptive reuse can celebrate history while embracing modern living.

Restoring Heritage Through Sensitive Renovation

At the core of the architectural brief was a desire to revive the farmstead’s agrarian spirit while reconnecting with the natural beauty of its surroundings. Known for their expertise in reimagining existing structures, Jonathan Tuckey Design stripped back layers from a previous 1990s renovation, revealing the charm and authenticity of the original architecture. Key upgrades included improving thermal performance through insulation and integrating sustainable building systems, setting a new standard for eco-conscious restoration.

Reconfiguring the Layout for Light and Landscape

The original building—comprised of a two-storey farmhouse, a traditional barn with a hayloft, and a connecting bridge—was historically dark due to its small window openings. The architectural intervention prioritized natural light and landscape views. The kitchen and social areas were relocated to the southeast, where expansive countryside vistas could be enjoyed. Enlarged windows and new apertures now frame panoramic views, allowing daylight to animate the interiors throughout the day.

A Home with Thoughtful Spatial Flow

A reimagined entrance hall leads visitors into a reconfigured interior where subtle yet impactful moves enhance spatial quality. A rotated staircase and adjusted first-floor level introduce vertical openness and natural circulation, while a new spa and sauna beneath original vaulted brick ceilings add a layer of tranquility to the home. The ground floor also opens up to the landscape, with outdoor dining and relaxation spaces that extend the home’s connection to its rural context.

Timber, Stone, and Historic Materials Define the Interiors

Natural materials such as local Luserna stone, lime plaster, brick, and reclaimed chestnut timber imbue the interiors with warmth and tactility. Cocciopesto flooring—an ancient Roman technique—anchors old and new through a mix of lime, sand, and crushed terracotta tiles salvaged from the site. Upstairs, the bedrooms feature en-suite bathrooms detailed with circular mirrors, milk-white tiles, and solid marble basins, merging rustic authenticity with refined modernity.

A Studio in the Hayloft and Energy-Conscious Architecture

The former hayloft, now a studio with views of the Alps, retains its original timber trussed roof, layered beneath a new highly insulated floating roof clad in chestnut timber. This architectural solution respects the structure’s heritage while meeting modern energy standards. A ground source heat pump and enhanced insulation throughout ensure the home operates sustainably year-round.

Exterior Harmony with the Landscape

Cascina House’s lime-washed stone façade reflects both the region’s architectural heritage and the natural tones of the landscape. Bespoke timber shutters, concrete lintels, and iron latticework frame the main entrance, reinforcing the building’s rooted character. The sloping gardens have been carefully terraced with local stone retaining walls and native plantings, fulfilling the client’s ambition to rewild the property while integrating functional outdoor spaces, including a hidden swimming pool and open-air kitchen.

 A Model of Contemporary Rural Living

Cascina House exemplifies how adaptive reuse and sustainable design can coexist with architectural conservation. Through a holistic approach to restoration and landscape integration, Jonathan Tuckey Design has created a serene retreat that honors the past while fostering a thoughtful, modern way of living.

All Photographs are works of Francesca Iovene