Wooden house in the hills of Lessinia: a sustainable project in Veneto
In the hills of eastern Lessinia, in the province of Vicenza (Veneto), we built a wooden house perfectly integrated into the hilly landscape, designed as a passive building on three levels.
A contemporary home that dialogues with the land, combining energy efficiency, natural materials and traditional local architecture.
Architectural design: integration into the landscape and Venetian tradition
The building has three floors:
- Ground floor: bright and open living area
- First floor: sleeping area with rooms and services
- Basement: technical rooms and accessory spaces
The project, approved according to the regulations of rural hillside areas, was created with the goal of building a wooden house in harmony with the natural environment.
The architecture recalls typical features of the Vicenza tradition:
- gabled roof with regular overhangs
- local-style windows
- simple and proportionate volumes
- traditional plaster finishes
The result is an essential, elegant dwelling consistent with its pre-alpine context.
Space distribution: comfort and functionality
Living area
The ground floor is designed for contemporary living:
- large and convivial kitchen
- open space with living area and TV
- guest bathroom to standard
A large lift-and-slide window enhances the view, creating continuity between inside and outside.
Sleeping area
On the upper floor are three bedrooms, each equipped with:
- wardrobe spaces
- large window areas
- view of the Lessinia hills
Basement
Includes:
- technical room
- spaces for wellness and leisure
NZEB building: nearly zero energy house
The house is designed as an NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Building).
Energy performance is guaranteed by:
- high performance thermal insulation
- 6.5 kWp photovoltaic system
- energy storage system
The entire building is powered exclusively by electricity via heat pump, eliminating the use of gas.
Sustainable wooden house: materials and environmental impact
The structure is made of X-Lam (Cross Laminated Timber), a high-performance wood construction system.
Main features:
- high seismic resistance
- reduced construction time
- low environmental impact
The wood used is PEFC certified, sourced from sustainably managed forests, contributing to the reduction of CO₂ emissions throughout the building’s life cycle.
Thermal insulation and living comfort
The building envelope provides high performance through:
- 20 cm rock wool outer coat
- highly insulated structure
- excellent summer and winter behavior
This provides constant living comfort and a drastic reduction in consumption.
Controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV)
Each room is equipped with controlled mechanical ventilation with heat recovery.
The system:
- ensures continuous air exchange
- eliminates excess moisture
- recovers up to 90% of the heat
In summer, it also contributes to dehumidification, improving indoor comfort.
Plants: efficiency and technology
Air conditioning
- air/water heat pump
- radiant floor system
- radiant panels for cooling
Domestic hot water
- 300 liter kettle
Photovoltaic
- integrated system with inverter
- on-site exchange system (GSE)
Zero-mile home: local supply chain and quality
Following Passivhaus principles, they were selected:
- local materials
- land suppliers
This choice reduces gray energy, improves traceability, and ensures more efficient after-sales service.
Foundations and structure
The house rests on:
- 30 cm reinforced concrete slab
- lean-to subfoundation
X-Lam load-bearing walls are integrated with:
- rock wool insulation
- plant cavities
- plasterboard and mineral plaster finishes
A home designed for well-being
This wooden house represents a perfect balance between:
- traditional Veneto architecture
- technological innovation
- environmental sustainability
A home designed to live in harmony with the seasons, immersed in the landscape of the Vicenza Prealps, with high standards of comfort and air quality.
