DOPPELTRAUM / ROT
The Green Unit is the second phase of the conservative regeneration of a former rural building located in the historic center of the village of Mezzano. Positioned in the southern portion of the structure, the compact dwelling opens to light and landscape, establishing a dialogue with the historical context through the use of traditional local materials such as lime plaster and natural larch wood.
The project stems from a careful reading of the existing condition, characterized by simple and essential spaces. The dwelling extends over approximately 50 sqm and is organized on two levels. The first floor, accessed via a staircase and an exterior wooden balcony, accommodates the main functions—kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom—and is structured around a multifunctional storage stair, illuminated by a roof window. A volume in natural fir wood organizes space and storage, while also integrating the entrance to the sleeping area.
On the upper level, the attic becomes a space for contemplation and relaxation. A flexible sitting area, equipped with a sofa bed, is lit by a large gable window that floods the interior with natural light, extending it outward in continuity with the balcony overlooking the village streets.
Some pre-existing wall niches have been preserved and enhanced, maintaining their original function, as in the case of the one housing the kitchen sink. Green in the main rooms and yellow in the secondary ones, expressed in different shades, act as a unifying thread throughout the project. The use of simple materials and the careful design of the furnishings reflect a measured contemporary approach, in dialogue with rural tradition.
