La Casa dell’Olio (The House of Oil) reimagines a forgotten stone structure in Mulazzo, Tuscany, transforming it into an olive oil factory and visitor centre that celebrates the full journey of olive oil production. From harvesting along the hillside path to infusion workshops, communal dining, exhibition spaces, and oil tasting, the project interconnects local tradition with contemporary craft.
The design celebrates movement and exploration. The glazed staircases extend from the existing stone walls, encouraging interaction and discovery as visitors ascend through the site, overlooking the hill. Clad in red zinc, these additions reflect the warm Tuscan reds and oranges of the surrounding landscape, while also standing in contrast to the aged stone, creating a symbol of the new life the centre brings to Mulazzo.
The scheme embraces the site’s natural topography through a sensory path that leads visitors uphill, offering changing perspectives of the landscape and process. This journey culminates in the convergence of experiences, including making, learning, and tasting. It is a space that invites visitors to engage with the craft of olive oil through hands-on experiences and shared meals.
Rooted in the cultural and agricultural heritage of the Lunigiana region, La Casa dell’Olio is both a celebration of place and a platform for renewal, connecting past and present through architecture, landscape, and tradition.
Gallery
Click to enlarge
