Dairy cooperative renovation in Italy inspired by traditional Alpine structures

A cooperative dairy in Italy is slated for a stunning green renovation inspired by traditional Alpine structures known as malga.

Milan-based design studio Piuarch won the competition to renovate the existing structure and add spaces for a sales outlet, restaurant, conference room and a small museum using locally-sourced materials that reflect the local history.

The Latteria Sociale Valtellina S.C.A. cooperative dairy, located in the Alpine province of Sondrio in northern Italy, will receive a modern makeover rooted in the cultural and historical context of the region. The winning project reinterprets the “malga”- a traditional, single-story Alpine structure with a low profile. This typology usually includes auxiliary spaces like sales outlets, showrooms and work areas.

The new space were redesigned according to Design for All principles, which relates to designing universally accessible spaces that can be used by different types of users. The structure will house reception areas arranged along the perimeter and will be complemented with an outlet, cafe, restaurant and museum area. Mixed functions encourage interaction and socialization.

The architects chose raw, locally sourced materials that fit the authentic “malga” typology. Sheet metal will be used for the roof, the exterior walls will be built from local stone, while the beams will be made from laminated wood.