Heritage Farmhouse Renovation: The Ausserrothhof Extension by The New Komma in Schenna, Italy

The Ausserrothhof Extension by The New Komma is an exemplary heritage farmhouse renovation that fuses historical preservation with contemporary design. Located in the picturesque village of Schenna, Italy, and surrounded by vineyards, this project redefines rural architecture by seamlessly integrating a modern extension with a listed farmhouse dating back to 1775. The result is a thoughtful blend of old and new, ensuring the preservation of cultural heritage while meeting modern living standards.

Preserving the Essence of a Historic Farmhouse

The Ausserrothhof is a protected heritage site that holds significant historical value. Its robust natural stone walls, small windows, and traditional wooden parlor speak to an era of craftsmanship that has withstood centuries. The renovation aimed to safeguard this essence, maintaining the building’s authentic charm while adapting it to contemporary residential needs.

Architect Markus Klotzner and his team at The New Komma approached this heritage farmhouse renovation with precision and sensitivity. Their goal was to respect the architectural integrity of the 18th-century structure while enhancing it with modern interventions.

A Modern Extension Rooted in Context

The extension stands as a modern architectural statement, designed to complement rather than overshadow the historic farmhouse. Positioned slightly offset from the slope, it establishes a respectful dialogue with the old structure. This thoughtful placement allows the extension to assert its presence without compromising the farmhouse’s visual dominance.

The exterior of the extension features stacked exposed concrete, a contemporary reinterpretation of the lime plaster texture found on the old building. Local larch wood cladding further connects the modern addition to the region’s vernacular architecture, ensuring that the renovation remains rooted in the Alpine landscape.

Seamless Integration of Old and New

A striking glass transition marks the threshold between the historic farmhouse and the modern extension. This transparent link acts as both a physical connector and a symbolic bridge between the past and present. It creates a light, airy aesthetic that contrasts with the solid masonry of the old building while offering visual continuity between the structures.

Inside, the transition is equally seamless. The interior design maintains the rustic charm of the farmhouse while incorporating sleek, contemporary elements. Exposed screed floors and built-in steel furniture introduce modern functionality, while original features such as the soot-darkened smoke kitchen, wooden parlor, and vaulted staircase have been meticulously restored. This careful balance ensures that the farmhouse’s historical narrative remains intact while offering residents modern comfort.

Landscape Integration and Panoramic Views

The heritage farmhouse renovation extends beyond the buildings into the landscape. The extension is designed to blend harmoniously with its vineyard surroundings. A green flat roof minimizes its visual impact when viewed from above, allowing the structure to recede into the natural environment.

Large frameless glass windows open up the interior to panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards and the distant town of Merano. This connection to the landscape is integral to the design, emphasizing the relationship between architecture and nature that defines traditional Alpine farmhouses.

Restoring Historical Craftsmanship

The renovation of the original farmhouse was driven by a commitment to preserving traditional craftsmanship. The restoration process involved uncovering the smoke kitchen’s barrel-vaulted ceiling, where centuries of soot had blackened the stone. This atmospheric space now stands as a living testament to the building’s history.

Other historical details, including the marble split floors and hand-carved wooden elements, were carefully refurbished. These features contribute to an authentic ambiance that honors the farmhouse’s past while accommodating modern living.

Architectural Harmony Between Past and Future

The success of the Ausserrothhof heritage farmhouse renovation lies in its architectural harmony. The extension and the historic building do not compete; rather, they enhance one another. The old farmhouse retains its prominence, while the modern addition introduces clean lines and contemporary materials that reflect present-day design sensibilities.

This dialogue between past and future ensures that the Ausserrothhof is not merely a preserved relic but a living, functional residence that carries the spirit of its history forward. It exemplifies how sensitive architectural interventions can revitalize heritage sites without erasing their identity.

Sustainable Approach to Heritage Renovation

Sustainability underpins the heritage farmhouse renovation. The reuse of the existing structure minimizes resource consumption, while the new extension is built using durable, locally sourced materials like larch wood and exposed concrete. The green roof enhances insulation and supports biodiversity, while large windows reduce the need for artificial lighting by maximizing natural daylight.

This approach aligns with the growing recognition that preserving existing buildings is one of the most sustainable architectural practices. By adapting and extending the Ausserrothhof, The New Komma demonstrates that heritage preservation can be both environmentally responsible and architecturally innovative.

The Ausserrothhof Extension by The New Komma is a masterclass in heritage farmhouse renovation. It preserves the character and history of an 18th-century farmhouse while introducing a modern extension that respects and enhances the existing structure. This project stands as a benchmark for future renovations, illustrating how contemporary architecture can celebrate and sustain the cultural legacy of rural buildings.

Situated amidst the vineyards of Schenna, the Ausserrothhof not only safeguards its past but also offers a forward-looking vision of heritage architecture. It is a testament to the power of thoughtful design in bridging history and modernity, ensuring that traditional farmhouses remain vibrant and functional homes for generations to come.

All Photographs are works of Lucas Clemens