MASO STREGOZZI: A CONTEMPORARY REHABILITATION OF ALPINE RURAL HERITAGE BY MICHELE SICHER

Located in the mountainous landscape of Trentino, Italy, Maso Stregozzi is a rehabilitation project designed by architect Michele Sicher. The intervention embodies a thoughtful approach to the preservation and transformation of Alpine rural heritage, where contemporary architecture engages with traditional building culture to give new life to a historic mountain farmhouse.

Rooted in the principles of architectural rehabilitation and adaptive reuse, the project preserves the identity and character of the existing structure while meeting contemporary standards of comfort, sustainability, and construction performance. Inspired by the traditional maso typology of Trentino, Maso Stregozzi retains the essential qualities of Alpine vernacular architecture while integrating modern design solutions and advanced building techniques.

Wood plays a central role in the project, serving as both a structural and expressive material. Deeply connected to the cultural and architectural heritage of the Alpine region, timber reinforces the relationship between the building and its natural surroundings. Through the careful use of wood and locally inspired construction methods, the project reinterprets traditional craftsmanship within a contemporary architectural language.

More than a simple renovation, Maso Stregozzi represents a broader reflection on the future of rural architecture in mountain environments. The project demonstrates how historic buildings can be adapted to modern lifestyles while preserving their cultural significance and connection to the landscape. Michele Sicher’s design highlights the value of place, material authenticity, and regional identity, creating a harmonious balance between conservation and innovation.

The architectural quality of Maso Stregozzi has been recognized internationally through a Special Mention in the “Under 35” category of the prestigious Wood Architecture Prize 2026. The award celebrates the project’s ability to combine technical excellence, sustainable design, and a sensitive reinterpretation of Alpine building traditions.

Today, Maso Stregozzi stands as a compelling example of contemporary rural rehabilitation, showcasing how architecture can preserve the memory of a place while shaping its future. Through its integration of heritage, craftsmanship, timber construction, and environmental awareness, the project contributes to the ongoing evolution of sustainable architecture in the Alpine region.

project: Maso Stregozzi
location: San Bernardo di Rabbi, Val di Rabbi, Italy
architect: Michele Sicher > www.michelesicher.com
typology: Rehabilitation / Reconstruction / Adaptive Reuse
year: 2025
status: completed

photography: Elisa Fedrizzi, Valentini Serramenti  (c) 
awards: Under 35 Special Mention, Wood Architecture Prize 2026