Borgo Merlassino | deamicisarchitetti

La Raia, a family-owned 180-hectare estate featuring a winery, hotel and outdoor art foundation situated within the rolling hills of Gavi, Italy, has partnered with Italian architecture studio De Amicis Architetti for its new Borgo Merlassino event and hospitality venue based on the restoration and reimagining of a traditional Italian farmstead.

Situated in one of the most beautiful landscapes in all of the Gavi region - known as a mecca for truffle foraging and for its grapes that grow alongside Roman ruins, historic sites - Borgo Merlassino consists of the Barn, which is the main structure, the Villa and the Farmhouse, the Patio and the Porch, each of which each boast two rooms for overnights, and are covered outdoor spaces, along with the Studio and the Warehouse. Each of the original structures were once used for a variety of agricultural activities in the 19th-century and surround a vast courtyard.

After a rigorous restoration process by De Amicis Architetti studio, the historic village has now been reimagined as the ideal setting to host events and celebrations, presenting both indoor and outdoor hosting options which overlook an unspoilt valley and an easily accessible small lake, as well as La Raia’s Cortese vineyards. In the process, elements of the original buildings, such as characteristic exposed beams, typical portholes and a Pise Wall, an ancient raw-earth construction technique, were uncovered and maintained to keep the original charm of the setting. Large windows were installed to take advantage of natural lighting, to showcase the estate's breathtaking views, and to create a synergetic dynamic between the indoor and outdoor spaces. This synergy is felt across the hamlet, and within the larger La Raia estate, which as a whole, presents a variety of settings suitable for different moments of each event.

The main building of Borgo Merlassino, once a large barn, can comfortably host up to 120 guests across three floors structured to accommodate modular hosting, presenting the possibility to throw several events at the same time, or utilize each space for a different part of the event - ceremony, dinner, prep space.

The Patio, a large outdoor space, connects the Barn and the Farmhouse. Suitable for receptions and cocktails, adorned with a ceiling decorated in colorful geometric patterns and a backdrop of wooden slats, it can easily be transformed into an open-air lounge for summer dinners. An additional dedicated structure stands separately for receptions, housed in the former chicken coup.

Story of Borgo Merlassino

The story of the restoration and transformation of Borgo Merlassino begins with the names: barn, stable, pigsty, henhouse, storage, cistern, manure pit, courtyard, canopy, and agricultural residence. These were the spaces and functions of this agricultural complex. All were abandoned, disused, and in an advanced state of decay. Some were entirely invisible, buried or overgrown with vegetation.

The first step in the design approach was to recognize the site's potential by reading between the existing structures to identify the best values and perspectives. To restore a clear relationship with the landscape, a dilapidated old external stable, devoid of architectural value, was immediately demolished. This re-established connection with long views towards the woods, valley, and vineyards, instantly breathing new life into the Borgo.

It quickly became clear that the key to rediscovering the "place" was not so much the buildings themselves but the character and quality of the spaces between them—an aspect that the design studio focuses on particularly. By redefining the levels, the specific spaces corresponding to their functions, and designing new types of open spaces—such as the terraces, portico, lawn, and courtyard—all the existing volumes were logically interconnected. This led to a new configuration resembling a Borgo (hence the name), rich in diverse and usable open spaces for various activities.

Throughout the restoration process, it became clear that a position needed to be taken on how the new elements would interact with the existing structures. As this was not monumental architecture, for which restoration theories typically apply, the issue of the relationship between mimicry and contrast, and between traditional and contemporary construction techniques, arose strongly. Instead of adhering to a rigid and all-encompassing theoretical orientation, each case and situation was evaluated individually, with the belief that contamination and contradiction were integral to the identity of the place. This identity had been shaped over time by generations of different people, responding to ever-changing needs, and over time, it had found the right balance and natural relationship with its surrounding landscape. The true theme of the project—or rather, the "process" of transformation—is the sense of time, balance between old and new. This process continues today under the new owners.

The proposed volumetric additions, necessary for expanding functions and rethinking the distribution system, sometimes manifest with bold material contrasts—such as the new iron lozenge-patterned ceilings—enriching the repertoire of architectural and formal solutions. In other cases—such as the new openings in the pigsty—they integrate naturally into the existing structure. The reconstructions—for example, the roofs—are the result of a free interpretation of traditional techniques, reinvented using the construction elements found on site.

Facades: The facades feature plastered surfaces, with different colors applied to various buildings according to their functions, and varying textures to enhance the architectural composition. Some sections of existing earth-built walls have been left exposed, showcasing the traditional construction techniques of the area.

Windows: The window frames are made of painted wood. The varied shapes of the openings—square, arched, or circular—stem both from the original design and a careful compositional study of the facades.

Roofs: The roofs are covered with terracotta tiles, a material widely used in the region. Some areas also feature photovoltaic panels.

Exteriors: In addition to large green areas, including lawns and planted zones, there are gravel areas, colored concrete pavements, wooden block paving, and reclaimed railway sleepers used in various ways to separate different materials or highlight the layout of the outdoor spaces.

Interiors: Various finishing materials have been used, depending on the intended use of the spaces, the phase of construction (work was carried out at different times), and the interior design project. Floors include decorative cement tiles, solid oak parquet laid in a micro-herringbone pattern, polished slate slabs, split slate strips laid in a herringbone pattern, cocciopesto (a traditional material made from crushed terracotta and lime), and solid Carrara marble shower trays. Notable finishes include a green-colored and polished concrete lift shaft (with exposed aggregates), stair treads made from solid larch (reclaimed from old roof beams), custom-designed metal railings, and ceramic tiles.

Connection to the local Northern Italian landscape

Borgo Merlassino is part of the La Raia estate, a farm that has been operating in the Gavi area for over 20 years, not only continuing agricultural traditions but also promoting the enhancement of the landscape through hospitality and cultural activities. One of the key approaches has been the restoration of the farm buildings acquired over the years. Some have been maintained for production activities (such as the winery, farming, and livestock), while others have been repurposed to accommodate new hospitality and cultural functions.

Within the La Raia estate, which spans around 180 hectares, all the buildings, including the winery, manor house, inn, and Borgo, as well as the functional structures, are connected by nature trails that traverse the hilly landscape. These paths are further enhanced by carefully placed artistic installations. Borgo Merlassino, with its agritourism focus, is an integral part of this fascinating territorial system, hosting one of the works along the trail.

Color Schemes

The color schemes used in the project vary. In some cases, the colors are those inherent to the materials used, which are mostly natural (e.g., slate, Luserna stone, various types of wood, gravel, clay, terracotta). In other cases, neutral materials have been given a distinctive character through the use of color, such as concrete pigmented with different natural oxides (orange for the exterior pavements, green for the internal staircase/lift shaft). Additionally, vivid of purple and yellow highlight the lozenge-patterned ceiling, as well as the plastered sections of the external facades, where the neutral tones of the main buildings are contrasted with dark sections and the vibrant red of the secondary structures.

Restoration Design Concept

The restoration project prioritized preserving the original layout of the Borgo, which consists of multiple buildings constructed at different times and in different ways, depending on the agricultural needs of the time. The new hospitality functions were adapted to fit within the specific characteristics of each building. The old barn, with its large spaces and generous heights, has been transformed into a multifunctional hall with large windows overlooking the landscape, as well as service areas for various activities (restaurant, meetings, etc.). The former pigsty retains its original shape but has been completely reconfigured internally for agritourism accommodation. The small henhouse has become the reception area, while an underground water cistern, no longer needed, has been converted into a workshop for agricultural activities. The residential area, previously occupying part of the main building, has been expanded by converting additional spaces to increase the facility’s accommodation capacity.

The design approach focuses on carefully restoring the existing structures and integrating contemporary elements that harmoniously interact with the original features. For example, the metal-framed ceiling above the portico, with its lozenge pattern and distinctive color treatment, is a modern addition. Local materials are reinterpreted with new installation techniques (e.g., the roof structure with 45° rotated beams in the Piedmontese style, slate flooring laid in a herringbone pattern) or unexpected combinations (polished green concrete, larch wood, and split slate).

The functional layout thoughtfully distributes the various activities across the available spaces, allowing the Borgo to be enjoyed in its original complexity. Both the open spaces and hybrid areas (such as the portico) are directly connected to the interiors, providing the flexibility to extend activities outdoors.

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Nella campagna piemontese di Novi Ligure, in totale armonia con la natura circostante, sorge Borgo Merlassino un complesso agricolo dell’800 completamente ristrutturato dallo studio deamicisarchitetti. Tutte le testimonianze del mondo contadino dell’epoca, tra case, fienili, grandi portici e cisterne, sono state sapientemente recuperate per ridare una nuova vita al borgo. Il complesso, situato all’interno dell’azienda agricola La Raia, si compone di 4 appartamenti che offrono la formula del Bed & Breakfast e prendono il nome dalle varietà di miele prodotto in loco: Acacia, Millefiori, Ape Regina e Bosco. Gli appartamenti di diverse metrature sono arredate con alcuni pezzi ricercati di design, oggetti e accessori realizzati con materiali di recupero e mobili antichi; un mix sapiente e ben equilibrato che regala un’atmosfera suggestiva in ogni ambiente. Oltre agli appartamenti, Borgo Merlassino comprende la residenza per il personale dell’azienda agricola, uno spazio conferenze estive, un deposito, i laboratori della scuola steineriana, sala lettura, il laboratorio per la produzione di marmellate.

L’intervento di recupero effettuato si pone come obiettivo il riappropriarsi del “luogo”: al centro del progetto vi è la valorizzazione dello spazio tra le “cose” più che degli edifici, per amplificare la fruibilità, la diversità e la bellezza del contesto in cui gli edifici sono inseriti con una forte attenzione alla sostenibilità ambientale. Borgo Merlassino con la nuova configurazione ritorna ad essere un luogo speciale non solo per la bellezza del singolo manufatto presente ma per tutto il contesto, per la sensazione di serenità che si percepisce e per la magica atmosfera che si respira.

Il progetto
Gli spazi e le funzioni presenti in questo complesso agricolo (fienile, stalla, porcilaia, pollaio, deposito, cisterna, letamaia, aia, tettoia, residenza agricola) si trovavano in completo stato di abbandono e degrado ma presentavano un elevato potenziale per il contesto in cui erano inseriti. Per ritrovare un rapporto con il paesaggio circostante lo studio deamicisarchitetti ha deciso, come prima cosa, di demolire la vecchia stalla esterna che rappresentava un elemento d’interferenza con il panorama e ottenendo un’apertura visiva verso il bosco, la valle e i vigneti che caratterizza il nuovo “borgo”. Accanto agli elementi già esistenti sono stati, inoltre, ridefiniti gli spazi aperti quali i gradoni verdi, il porticato, il prato e l’aia, consentendo di mettere in ralazione con una nuova logica tutti i volumi preesistenti.
E’ nata quindi una nuova configurazione a borgo, da cui ha origine il nome, ricco di spazi aperti eterogenei e pensati per varie attività.

“Questo lavoro non nasce da scelte precostituite e preformate ma è il risultato di una progettazione in itinere durante i lavori in cantiere. Man mano che l’impresa metteva mano ai singoli manufatti o singole porzioni di spazi aperti, improvvise ed inaspettate scoperte hanno reindirizzato le scelte progettuali”, dichiara l’architetto Giacomo De Amicis.

Il ritrovamento della vecchia cisterna dell’acqua interrata nella collina antistante l’aia ha permesso di valorizzare un nuovo spazio aperto che è diventato il cortile del laboratorio della scuola steineriana presente all’interno del complesso.
La scoperta che il corpo centrale del Borgo dove si trova il B&B era stato costruito con l’antica tecnica del pisé, tipica di questa zona, che prevede l’uso della terra costipata come struttura portante, ha orientato la scelta del progettista nel mettere in risalto, dove possibile, questa caratteristica per esaltare il valore estetico contemporaneo della trama materica. Le texture più belle di queste superfici sono state incorniciate da bordature di intonaco come fossero quadri preziosi.

Le integrazioni volumetriche proposte, da una parte vanno ad arricchire il repertorio di soluzioni architettoniche e formali individuate per questo luogo - in alcuni casi attraverso un deciso contrasto materico che si ritrova ad esempio nei nuovi solai in ferro a losanghe – dall’altra, si integrano con naturalezza all’interno della struttura preesistente, come ad esempio le nuove aperture nella porcilaia.

Anche i colori utilizzati, varie tonalità che vanno dal rosso all’ocra della terra cruda, e le variazioni cromatiche di tipo decorativo, come le losanghe del solaio principale, rappresentano un ulteriore piano di lettura del rapporto tra il vecchio e nuovo.

Un ulteriore elemento distintivo del progetto è il tema della sostenibilità, un elemento imprescindibile per la proprietà dell’azienda agricola, che lo studio deamicisarchitetti ha voluto sottolineare sia nelle scelte impiantistiche, per ottenere elevate performance in termini di requisiti energetici, sia nell’utilizzo di materiali naturali e riciclabili. Inoltre l’intera filiera di produzione è stata basata sulla politica del “kilometro zero” per il reperimento dei materiali di costruzione e di finitura, provenienti da aziende del territorio, e per la scelta di fornitori e mano d’opera locale con l’obiettivo di contribuire allo sviluppo economico del territorio.

Il processo di rinascita del borgo non è ancora terminato ma in evoluzione. Alcune porzioni tra cui il vecchio fienile e la stalla (oggi adibita a sala conferenze estiva e archivio/deposito) sono destinate a cambiare forma e carattere in futuro attraverso un loro pieno recupero edilizio e funzionale.

“Il senso del tempo, la misura, l’equilibrismo tra vecchio e nuovo è quindi il vero tema del progetto. Un progetto che è in realtà un processo di trasformazione che oggi continua per opera della proprietà”, conclude Giacomo De Amicis.