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Vertical extension & energetic retrofit of 1950s apartment buildings

A group of 1950s apartment buildings in the centre of Bolzano, Italy have undergone an impressive refurbishment with a focus on energy efficiency, upgrading from CasaClima certification class G to A. The building renovation project also enhanced aesthetics and function, whilst increasing capacity with 14 new housing units added to the existing buildings.

  • View of buildings on Via Aslago, showing the new top floor vertical extension, and the new facade's recessed window surround details in contrasting grey render finishes

    View of buildings on Via Aslago, showing the new top floor vertical extension, and the new facade's recessed window surround details in contrasting grey render finishes. Photo: Andrea Zanchi

  • View of the buildings on Via Aslago showing the new oversailing vertical extension.

    View of the buildings on Via Aslago showing the new oversailing vertical extension. Photo: Andrea Zanchi

  • View of the side of the buildings on Via Aslago, Bolzano, Italy, showing the new facade's window details in contrasting grey render finishes, and new balconies and loggias

    View of the side of the buildings on Via Aslago, Bolzano, Italy, showing the new facade's window details in contrasting grey render finishes, and new balconies and loggias. Photo: Andrea Zanchi

  • View of original building at Via Aslago, before renovation and vertical extension

    View of original building at Via Aslago, before renovation and vertical extension

  • View of original building at Via Aslago, after renovation and vertical extension

    View of building at Via Aslago, after renovation and vertical extension. Photo: Andrea Zanchi

  • Surface detail of grey StoSignature render in its freeform brushed pattern

    Surface detail of grey StoSignature render in its freeform brushed pattern

  • A model showing the renovated buildings in the context of its neighbourhood, showing the photovoltaic panels and green roofs

    A model showing the renovated buildings in the context of its neighbourhood, showing the photovoltaic panels and green roofs

  • Illustration of the original building, roof removed, and the new facade and vertical extension details added

    Illustration of the original building, roof removed, and the new facade and vertical extension details added

Get your free Case Study now!

Discover more about the concept and execution of the transformation of these buildings, their new energy efficient facade and vertical extension in our case study now!
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Your free Case Study includes:

The in-depth Project [insights] PDF includes more details around the following topics:

  • Energy consumption reduced by 40 to 60%

  • Vertical extension with 14 new dwellings (20% increase)

  • Improved facade aesthetics and functionality including integrated sun shutters

  • Greening and energy generation

Preview of Project [insights] PDF of Via Aslago housing estate energetic retrofit and vertical extension
A preview of the Project [insights] PDF

An old building with a new envelope

An inconspicuous residential complex in the centre of Bolzano underwent an impressive transformation as part of an energy efficiency refurbishment. The local practice Area Architetti Associati developed a completely new, sculpted building envelope, which elegantly incorporates an additional top storey, new lifts and loggias. The result is an ensemble characterised by dynamism and individuality that visibly enhances its neighbourhood.

  • A view of some of the buildings in Via Aslago, Bolzano, Italy before renovation and vertical extension
    Before renovation with the original roof
    A view of some of the buildings in Via Aslago, Bolzano, Italy after renovation and vertical extension
    After renovation & vertical extension. Photo: Andrea Zanchi

Meet the architect:

Area Architetti Associati

"If you set yourself a goal of energetic refurbishment, this does not contradict with ambitious architectural design. Actually, it’s a great, unique opportunity, and one that can generate a whole series of refurbishment measures."

Roberto Pauro & Andrea Fregoni, Area Architetti Associati

Energetic retrofit and vertical extension of a housing estate in Bolzano, Italy (04:05)

Get your free Case Study now!

Discover more about the concept and execution of the transformation of these buildings, their new energy efficient facade and vertical extension in our Project [insights] document.
Request your Case Study

[ark] magazine

The StoJournal for Architects

This story appeared in [ark] magazine No.69. The planning and execution trades are responsible for ensuring compliance with local standards and regulations, as well as realising and warranting of the architectural details and solutions included in this case study.

Contact us if you would like to subscribe to the print edition for your architectural practice.

Preview of [ark] magazine, the StoJournal for Architects
Preview of [ark] magazine

Materials Overview library

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Visit our interactive Materials Overview library to explore different materials and aesthetics options. This tool allows you to compare and contrast different textures, colours and styles - allowing you to quickly visualise and optionise ideas for your building's facade design.

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