A Country Home in Chievo, Verona by Studio Wok

A home in the Italian countryside… ain’t that the dream. Milan-based Studio Wok made it a reality for some lucky clients, converting a rural barn in Chievo, Verona into a stunning residence that projects “a spatial and material dialogue between history and modernity.”

The previously derelict property had plaster covering the original load-bearing walls, made from river pebbles. Step one for Studio Wok was to strip the plaster back from the facade, revealing the stones beneath. Biancone marble frames the recessed windows on each façade, providing a smooth, modern contrast to the textured stones. Special attention was given to the surrounding territory and landscape throughout all design decisions, using locally traditional materials wherever possible.

Most of the existing internal structure of the residence was removed, replaced by a contemporary three-storey home constructed within the stone frame. In a nod to the property’s agricultural roots, a large archway at the front of the home was restored, framing the entryway and “making it the fulcrum around which the spaces of the house are distributed,” according to the architects.

A large rear door frames the opposing masonry arch, serving to create visual harmony between the interior space and the garden. The rear façade combines river pebbles with an interplay of glass and layered plywood, traditional materials typical of rural agricultural architecture in the region.

See more barn conversions on Yellowtrace.

The layout is centred around a full height living space, with birch plywood cladding used to define the various sections of the home. The ground floor features distinctive Vicenza stone floors, leading guests to the spacious living area and cosy library complete with brick fireplace. The upper floors, “perceived as a wooden volume hanging from the ceiling,” contain the bedrooms.

The architects took great consideration for environmental sustainability throughout the project, including energy efficient systems and an integrated garden redesign. An impressive Magnolia tree in the courtyard, preserved upon the client’s request, serves as a focal point of the home.

“The tree is the protagonist of the outdoor space and has a perfect dialogue with the house: the shadow of its foliage is projected at sunset on the stone façade and is visible from all rooms,” says Studio Wok. It’s bordered by a flowerbed and neighbored by a pool with stone paving and outdoor seating. Seriously, so dreamy.

See other projects by Studio Wok on Yellowtrace here.