Elisa Iachelini, Italy, 2026

Nominator: Elisa Burnazzi

ENTRANCE FURNITURE

The brief was to define the living area from the apartment entrance with a spacious, streamlined storage unit. The integrated niche serves as a coat rack, a seating area, and hidden 'pocket-emptying' shelves, standing in sharp contrast to the surrounding cabinetry. The shift from occasional to daily use is further emphasized through the choice of materials: the white lacquered storage units blend seamlessly into the home environment, allowing the natural larch wood insert of the niche to emerge and welcome the guest.
The shelving transitions into side recesses, concealed at first glance, which house a convenient charging station for mobile devices. A side mirror completes the space, inviting a further discovery of the home.

THE FARM SYSTEM

This research investigates the settlement patterns of historical Alpine centers, characterized by the maso (traditional farmhouse) system in the valley floor and the malghe or baite (summer mountain huts) at higher altitudes. The former strongly influenced the distribution and development of the main hamlets. The focal point of these communities is the 'caseificio turnario' (cooperative dairy)—a physical space shared by all inhabitants. The management of milk processing and cheesemaking shapes distinct landscapes across the Alps. The proximity to this communal space adapts to the local topography and morphology, giving rise to diverse settlement models. These shared spaces were strategically positioned; where this is not the case, the landscape appears further fragmented. Beyond the strategic placement of communal areas within the built environment, the distribution of private elements within the maso system—such as the vegetable garden and the dwelling—is also deliberate, with the house often placed in a commanding, 'overseeing' position. Different territorial characteristics thus dictate diverse construction solutions to achieve common goals.

PANORAMIC TERRACE IN PIAZZOLA - RABBI (TN)

This project, part of the new “Thematic Trail of Milk and Mountain Farms” in the Stelvio National Park, is situated along a forest road, serving as a link between the valley floor, the forest, and the mountain pastures. The design is based on an axis of symmetry that extends the path outward. The pedestrian path is bordered by an internal raised platform that serves as an integrated linear seating area and elevated terrace, offering users new views of the surrounding landscape.

The structure combines local stone and steel foundations with a radial framework of natural larch wood. The angle of the posts and the overhang create a sense of visual momentum, blending the structure into its surroundings. The wooden railing guides the visitor’s experience, incorporating geographical information about the visible peaks into the handrail. The path culminates in a thematic feature made of Corten steel, the defining material of the entire route, transforming the resting spot into an active narrative of the Alpine landscape.

ELISA IACHELINI

My name is Elisa Iachelini and I am an architect based in Val di Rabbi (IT). After graduating in Architecture from the Polytechnic of Milan, I chose to leave the chaotic pace of Brianza to move to this small valley in Trentino—my grandparents' homeland, to which I have been deeply connected since childhood.

Living in the highlands is a research theme that has always engaged me, to the point of turning it into a life project. In my university theses, I investigated the transformation of private and communal spaces within Alpine culture—specifically in the hamlet of Ceresè-Rabbi (TN)—exploring different settlement patterns and an integrated design system intended to serve as an economic driver for the entire valley.

Today, my work is divided between landscape studies and research, with a particular focus on the maso (traditional farmhouse) system, and architectural projects where local materials like stone and wood are the protagonists, both in the structural elements and the finishes.

Contact
elisa.iachelini.25@gmail.com

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