Medieval Masterpiece

The medieval town of Crana in Switzerland sits cliffside in its scenic landscape, occupied by a seemingly insignificant community that rarely exceeds a population of 300. But the historic village is getting a face lift from Milan-based architects Vudafieri Saverino Partners, who have restored and revamped a stone masonry house that dates all the way back to the 16th century. Reinforced with a hardy concrete foundation, the new building features a kitchen, living room, bathroom, and a bedroom (with space for two more beds on the mezzanine).

From the outside, it’s hard to tell that this rustic stone house has changed since its creation. However, while the able designers coped with structural damage and crumbling walls, their intervention also served to update the historic building to better suit its modern setting. The interior tells a contemporary story in wood and glass, beautiful in its simplicity. Generous windows flood the dwelling with natural light, casting shadows on a floor of reclaimed wooden beams – and providing views of the surrounding mountains and what remains of the medieval village. Images courtesy of Vudafieri Saverino Partners.