Interno
The objective was to create simple interior spaces reflecting the same character as the exterior restoration of this vernacular rural dwelling. We have lived in and enjoyed these spaces for 2-1/2 years surrounded by farmland and with our view toward the Sibillini Mountains.
LIVING ROOM/SOGGIORNO
Kitchen-Dining/Cucina-Sala da Pranzo
Finale
Warm dry mid-January weather permitted final site grading, the planting of a small orchard of apricot, pear, cherry and two fig trees ( albicocco, pero, ciliegio e fichi ) and the sorting and stacking of excess building materials.
Electricity was activated and a wood stove ( stufa a legna ) installed. A stove, refrigerator and washing machine ( fornello, frigorifero [...]
Nearing completion
Construction commenced in May 2006 and was substantially complete by November 2006, a time lapse of only six months. Credit for the achievement is due to Paolo, il capomastro. Paolo blends his knowledge of traditional construction techniques with an understanding of contemporary requirements and needs. He is also a very hard worker. The result has [...]
The vision evolves toward reality
Braccioli ( tiles ) salvaged from the original structure were placed over the new travi ( beams ) to create the underlayment for the new piano primo ( first floor ). A 4 cm layer of concrete was placed over the braccioli and connected to the exterior stone walls with reinforcing rods to stabilize the [...]
A step back
The restoration of Casa della Cieca required the removal of all damaged material to permit an investigation of the building shell. All large beams ( travi ), small beams ( braccioli ) and tiles ( tegole, pianelli e mattonelle ) were removed and stored for future use. Infiltraton of rainwater over many years [...]
Concept
The goal is to restore the extant historic building fabric and to replace damaged elements using traditional materials and methods. Removing the early 20th century brick addition on the southwest facade will expose the stone wall of the original structure and result in a restored living area of 100 square meters on two floors.
Access [...]
Starting point
Casa della Cieca was originally built as a simple farmhouse of local stone in the mid-1800’s.The two story structure measured 5 by 9 meters. The lowest level at grade ( il pianterreno ) was used as a stall for animals and the simple wood manger and sloped brick floor remained. The second floor ( [...]
The site
Casa della Cieca is located on a 3000 square meter parcel of land surrounded by fields that are planted with the traditional Marchigiana crops of maize ( granturco ), sunflowers ( girasoli ), durum wheat ( grano ) and hay ( fieno ) grown in the ocher colored clay. The 550 meter white road looks southeast over [...]
The beginning!
Casa della Cieca is a small stone and brick casa colonica at the end of a 550 meter white road north of the village of San Ginesio in the region of Le Marche. The property looks southwest toward the Sibillini Mountains. The earliest section of the building dates from the mid-1800’s with additions in [...]
