In the picturesque setting of Aymavilles, just ten minutes from Aosta old town, the designer Erik Zaffuto completed Zaffhaus, a house inspired by Alpine shelters that combines elegance, daring and respect for the alpine context.
What immediately strikes the eye is the absence of the roof overhang, a singular choice that gives the building magnificence on the landscape of Aymavilles, at the base of the Castle. However, up close, the house blends harmoniously with its surroundings, thanks to its curtain wall, in line with the roof and the encased eaves.
The black colour of the PREFA DS.19 shingle blends elegantly with the surrounding green fields and woods, giving the structure a sophisticated look that seamlessly integrates with the other materials, such as local larch wood and plaster for the exterior insulation. The DS.19 PREFA shingle gave the project also a visual uniqueness, thanks to the possibility of installing it both horizontally (starting from a slope of 17 °) and vertically. This allowed continuity between roof and facades, thus creating a second skin of the building, interrupted only by the larch wood cladding. In addition to the ease and speed of installation, the product is an optimal choice for its considerable weather resistance, an essential feature in this specific area.
The house was designed to maximize space and liveability, with an internal layout that facilitates family co-existence. Everything has been carefully studied: from the placement of the room and the kitchen/dehors overlooking the castle, to the play of volumes that cover the entrance and create an outdoor living area, with balconies on the upper floors that keep the essential lines of the structure intact without unnecessary additions that may compromise the aesthetics.
Environmental sustainability was another important element for Zaffuto in the implementation of Zaffhaus, starting from the main protagonist, the material, namely the DS.19 PREFA shingles made of secondary aluminium, 100% recyclable without compromising the quality. Another significant aspect is the energy efficiency: with the installation of 18 photovoltaic panels, for a total of 7KW with storage batteries, mounted on the roof with the PREFA fixing brackets, the house is 80% self-sufficient in terms of energy; together with the heat pump heating system, there is a wood-burning stove, which also aims to recall the traditional approach of this modernist villa.
Zaffhaus is not only an architectural masterpiece, but also Erik Zaffuto’s family home. It reflects the passion, creativity and attention to detail of those who live there, and stands out as a true jewel in the heart of the Aosta Valley Alps.
