BS hof: alpina architects expands a farmhouse in northern italy

modern addition expands 19th-century farmstead

A nineteenth-century Northern Italian farmstead, known as BS Hof House, receives a modern addition by Alpina Architects. At an altitude of 1,300 meters (4,265 feet), the site is located in Nova Ponente, a town in the province of Bolzano. This farmstead has been a part of the local landscape since 1850. Originally constructed as a family farm, the home has gradually evolved over time with additional structures, forming a small cluster that gives it a distinct village-like character. The latest addition to the property introduces a contemporary volume that respects the historical integrity of the original farmhouse.

The farmstead has long maintained a balance between traditional construction and practical farm functions. The main house is built in stone and plastered, while the secondary structures, including barns and stables, feature wooden construction. This material contrast defines the hierarchy among the buildings. The farmhouse itself is spread across three levels, with cellars at the lowest level, living spaces on the first floor, and bedrooms on the upper floor. The new architectural intervention preserves this hierarchy while introducing a distinct yet cohesive design.

images © Simone Bossi

bs hof house follows the sloping terrain

The need to further expand the BS Hof House, with design by Alpina Architects, arose as the client’s family continued to grow. Initially, the architects planned to divide the existing house, adding an attic to accommodate the new living quarters. However, this approach risked disrupting the building’s proportions. Instead, a more integrated solution was proposed to expand the living space without altering the farmhouse’s defining characteristics.

Alpina Architects approached the project with a deep understanding of BS Hof’s existing structure and its surrounding landscape. Instead of building upwards, the design leveraged the sloping terrain to introduce a new volume at the farmstead’s upper level. The extension connects internally to the farmhouse’s second floor while extending northward, ensuring both integration and independence. A circular patio acts as a transitional space, creating a connection between the old and new structures while serving as a central design element.

the original BS Hof was built in 1850 and has evolved with additional farm structures over time

alpine architects evokes archetypal cabin

With the new extension of BS Hof House, Alpina Architects designs a bold, triangular form, evoking the archetypal shape of a cabin. Its design follows traditional farmstead expansion methods by extending horizontally rather than vertically. The connection between the old and new volumes is achieved through a flat-roofed section that houses the entrance. Visitors are guided from the historic entrance through a staircase leading up to the patio, which acts as a hub connecting the different spaces. The original sleeping quarters within the farmhouse have been repurposed into living areas, preserving all existing openings while introducing a new internal core that houses the stove, kitchen, pantry, and attic staircase.

The extension primarily accommodates the home’s private areas. A corridor leads to two children’s bedrooms, while a staircase ascends to the master bedroom and en-suite bathroom, located in the uppermost level of the new volume. This upper space, characterized by warm wooden interiors, offers a cabin-like atmosphere that enhances the sense of retreat and comfort.

the farmhouse maintains a traditional material palette with a stone and wood

The circular patio serves as a focal point, bridging the transition between the old and new structures. A distinctive concrete viewing frame extends from this space, providing a vantage point over the surrounding mountains. This architectural gesture reinforces the project’s dialogue between past and present, creating a space that fosters contemplation while integrating seamlessly with the Alpine landscape.

The material palette for the extension remains grounded in tradition. Timber is the dominant material, used both structurally and as external cladding. The pitched roof and facade are clad in untreated larch slats, which will naturally age to a silvery-grey patina. The base of the structure, along with the flat-roofed connection and patio, is constructed from sandblasted exposed concrete. This treatment highlights the porphyry aggregates within the concrete, lending it a textured, stone-like appearance that harmonizes with the existing farmhouse.

an independent living space is introduced while a connection to the farmstead is maintained