Architecture, Italians do it better

Casa Solare by Studio Albori

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There is nothing deceptive about Casa Solare, a quiet, solemn Italian residence overlooking the Aosta Valley. Designed by the Milanese architects at Studio Albori, the house employs passive methods to harness solar energy alongside its solid, ascetic look. The exposed beams draw attention to the house’s structural framework, and the lack of a finishing coat of paint lays bare the functional characteristics of the house. Solar energy is captured through the house’s natural directionality, energy storage through PCM, and the photovoltaic panels on the roof. The energy flow diagram depicting the sources and sinks throughout the four floors of the house is almost as beautiful as the natural wood that forms Casa Solare’s façade.

Images Courtesy of Studio Albori

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Kimberly

Kimberly is a graduate from MIT's Department of Architecture, and has recently joined the publication team at MIT OpenCourseWare. While architecture remains her first love, her interests encompass literature – epic poetry and Medieval romances are her favorite – and also fashion.

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