To reach the goal of a zero energy building it was decided to build a new structure facing north covered (in the south front) with PV panels. This strategy allowed to use a more traditional style in the north facade of the new structure so that the “Piemontese roof tile” and the PV panels can coexist. This new structure includes the garage, a shelter for agricultural machinery, small work spaces and a technical room with PV inverter. Home automation and advanced technologies, for which the owner has passion and skills, contribute to reduce the energy consumption. The original farmhouse is connected with the new structure by a long traditional wooden pitched roof of around 10 meters without intermediate pillars to make the passage smoother and well protected. In the East facade the general profile of the complex is very harmonious in relation with the hill over which it stands on and, at the same time, the PV roofing expresses his presence, as in old days the watermill and windmill used to do.

This represents the office’s spirit, which is focused to maintain the original architectural style, but also dealing with the new function’s requirements. In this specific case the residence remains where it used to be with the renovations of the floor slabs with iron structures and conservation of all the vaults that it was possible to recover. The hayloft above the stall remains available to the future generations. The only big typological change consists in realizing, in the first part of the barn, a staircase connecting the floors. Through the windows halfway up the circular ramp the staircase visually links the farmhouse and the PV roof that reveal different reflections floor to floor. The small stall and the big oven in the southeast side remain the same with the house keepers’ home.