DOMENICO FARINARO. Conversion of a former 19th-century riding school in Cremona, Italy, into residential accommodation. Preliminary, final and detailed design, and project management. Rendering: Francesco Farinaro. Photos: Vincenzo Pagliuca.
The existing brick structure has undergone careful restoration, as a lack of maintenance had led to its gradual deterioration. Following the collapse of the roof, which occurred in the 1970s, dense vegetation consisting of shrubs and tall trees grew inside, transforming what was once an enclosed, covered space into a sort of enchanted garden.
From the very outset, preserving the garden has been one of the key aims of the redevelopment project: the new structure is integrated into the existing building, occupying only part of it; it comprises two L-shaped blocks and extends over four levels.
The new steel and glass structure is closely integrated with the existing building: the large glazed surfaces of the dwellings overlook the garden, against the backdrop of the historic building's brick walls.
