In the picturesque setting of Aymavilles, just ten minutes from the historic center of Aosta, emerges an architecture that combines elegance, audacity, and respect for the Alpine context. The creative mind behind this innovative residence is the designer Erik Zaffuto of the LINFAE studio.
"My house had to be simply different from all those in the context, but at the same time it shouldn't look like a cathedral in the desert," explains Zaffuto from Studio LINFAE. "The Nordic inspiration and the reference to alpine shelters guided my project. As a mountain enthusiast, I have always been fascinated by these small aluminum structures that defy the harshness of the Alpine winters."
What immediately catches the eye in the architectural project Zaffhaus is the absence of the roof overhang, a distinct choice by the architecture projects studio LINFAE, which gives the building an imposing presence on the Aymavilles landscape, at the foot of the castle. However, the residence harmoniously blends with the surrounding environment, thanks to its facade in continuity with the roof and recessed gutters. The black color of the DS.19 shingle by PREFA elegantly embraces the green fields and surrounding woods, giving the structure a sophisticated look that integrates perfectly with the other materials used: larch wood from the area and render for the insulation.
The choice of the DS.19 PREFA shingle has certainly given the project its uniqueness also visually thanks to the possibility of horizontal installation (starting from a slope of 17°) and vertical installation, allowing continuity between roof and facades. A second skin of the building that is only interrupted by the larch wood cladding.
In addition to the ease and speed of installation, the product proves to be an optimal choice for its remarkable resistance to weathering, an essential characteristic in this geographical area.
The peculiarity of the material has allowed for the creation of an aesthetic cohesion between roof and facade, as in the constructions of traditional aluminum bivouacs. This solution ensures proper load distribution and therefore more resistance to them, a fundamental factor in mountainous areas.
Zaffhaus' innovation goes beyond the aesthetic aspect. Erik Zaffuto of LINFAE has been able to combine his creative vision with a rigorous attention to functional and economic needs.
The house has been designed to maximize space and livability, with an internal layout that promotes a smooth family coexistence. "I didn't exaggerate in anything," emphasizes Zaffuto, "and no grandiose works were done from an economic point of view. I focused on the essential, creating a residence that, although unique in its kind, is perfectly integrated into the mountain context and accessible to the budget." Everything has been carefully studied, from the positioning of the bedroom and kitchen/outdoor area overlooking the castle to the interplay of volumes that cover the entrance and create an outdoor living area, with balconies on the upper floors that maintain the essential lines of the structure without any superfluous additions that could compromise its aesthetics.
Environmental sustainability is another requirement that guided Zaffuto in the realization of this project. Starting from the search for the material that is defined as the main protagonist, namely DS.19 PREFA shingles composed of secondary aluminum, 100% recyclable without any significant loss of quality. Another aspect is focused on energy efficiency, thanks to the installation of 18 photovoltaic panels, totaling 7KW with storage batteries, mounted on the roof with PREFA mounting brackets, the house is 80% energy self-sufficient, and the heat pump heating system.
Zaffhaus, in addition to being an architectural masterpiece, is also the family home of Erik Zaffuto. A home that reflects the passion, creativity, and attention to detail of its inhabitant, and stands out as a true gem in the heart of the Aosta Valley Alps.
For him, one of the most significant projects that, despite budget constraints, he has realized with creative and ingenious solutions, achieving the best result. For this project, he wanted to use PREFA products due to his long-standing collaboration with the company for over 15 years, his deep knowledge of the products, and the recognition of the high reliability of the material. Among his design choices, collaboration with local suppliers and installers prevailed: Dell'Innocenti Lamiere and Stefano Rean, long-time collaborators of PREFA with several projects completed in the area.
