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ZAFFHAUS was born from a clear and powerful image: that of alpine refuges—solid and silent—standing the test of time and withstanding the harshest winters, nestled among the mountains like sentinels of wood and stone. Growing up in the Aosta Valley, I’ve always held a deep respect for these essential architectures, designed not to impress, but to protect and endure. From this inspiration came the desire to reinterpret the alpine refuge in a contemporary key, preserving its sober, functional spirit and strong connection to the land, while giving it a modern architectural language. It is, therefore, a personal tribute to that world: a pure, compact volume, free of unnecessary projections, wrapped in a continuous skin of aluminum shingles, capable of withstanding even the most extreme weather conditions.
ZAFFHAUS blends harmoniously into the mountain landscape, drawing on the materials and tones of the alpine environment. Its compact forms engage in dialogue with the verticality of the surrounding peaks, while the aluminum shingle cladding reflects the light and colors of the setting. Large glazed openings create a direct relationship with the outdoors, framing natural views and the nearby castle. While clearly distinct from the surrounding houses, it does not feel like a cathedral in the desert.
The choice of painted metal, specifically the Prefa shingle system, stems from the need to ensure durability, resistance to extreme weather conditions, and minimal maintenance—qualities in line with the spirit of alpine refuges. This material not only offers effective protection but is also fully recyclable and sustainable, with a long lifespan and reduced environmental impact. Its lightness allows for efficient installation and places less load on the structure. From an aesthetic point of view, the painted metal creates a continuous, contemporary skin that remains respectful of its context, engaging in a subtle and elegant dialogue with both the wood elements and the surrounding alpine landscape.
ZAFFHAUS project was developed with particular attention to sustainability and eco-compatibility. Durable and recyclable materials were used, such as the Prefa aluminum shingle cladding, which offers low maintenance and a long service life. The high-performance thermal envelope, combined with triple-glazed windows and an integrated photovoltaic system, ensures excellent energy efficiency. The heat pump heating system and controlled mechanical ventilation contribute to living comfort while reducing energy consumption. The design choices aimed to minimize the overall environmental impact, enhancing the building’s integration with the landscape. The project was also selected by Prefa as a “noteworthy project,” gaining visibility within the company’s official publications.
ZAFFHAUS stands out for its ability to blend Alpine identity with a contemporary architectural language.
The strengths of the project lie in its formal compactness, the selection of durable and sustainable materials, and its strong integration with the surrounding landscape. The Prefa shingle cladding gives the building a solid and modern appearance, reminiscent of mountain refuges, while the wooden accents add warmth and harmony with the environment.
Large openings enhance natural light and frame evocative views of the castle and surrounding peaks. Energy efficiency is ensured by a high-performance envelope, renewable energy sources, and cutting-edge systems—completing a design that balances aesthetics, functionality, and respect for its context.
Last but not least, careful attention was paid to the budget throughout, avoiding excess and unnecessarily costly solutions, to achieve the best possible result with balance and common sense.
• Erik Zaffuto
• 15 giugno 1978
• Indirizzo: Via Chambéry 204, 11100 Aosta
• Codice Fiscale: ZFFRKE78H15A326O
• +39 340 8182656________________________________________
TITOLI DI STUDIO E ABILITAZIONI
• Diploma di maturità tecnica per Geometri – Istituto Tecnico per Geometri “J. Brocherel” di Aosta (1997/98) – Voto: 44/60
• Abilitazione all’esercizio della libera professione di Geometra – Sessione d’esami 2004
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COMPETENZE E ATTIVITÀ PROFESSIONALI
• Esperto di progettazione 3D B.I.M. per nuove costruzioni e ristrutturazioni
• Modellazione e progettazione architettonica in 3D
• Rendering fotorealistici per presentazioni di progetti edilizi
• Certificazioni energetiche
• Rilievi plano-altimetrici con strumentazione avanzata
• Riconfinamenti, spianamenti, tracciamenti e inquadramenti topografici
• Contabilità lavori
