324 — Chesa Pedrolini, Samedan

In the picturesque setting of Samedan, a high-valley town with both political and economic importance, one could hardly imagine a more fitting backdrop for a historic Engadin house than what Chesa Pedrolini from the 16th century offers: while this house stands as a testament to tradition and history, it also embodies an idyllic postcard-worthy scene.

The front of the house, facing the street, has retained its historical charm with its sgraffito-adorned facade and original wooden rooms, preserving the essence of its heritage. In contrast, its rear section benefited from a meticulously planned architectural approach during the renovation, demonstrating the utmost respect for tradition and paying homage to it through various intricate details.

Before the property owner's vision of creating six holiday apartments under one roof could be realized, an urgent renovation was indeed necessary. The passage of centuries had taken its toll, leaving many parts of the building in disrepair and preserving very little of its original structure. It was a remarkable moment for the Studio C team when, during the removal of layers of building materials, they unexpectedly uncovered extensive fire damage. Further investigations indicated that the charred beams had likely been concealed within the walls and roof structure since the mid-19th century when the builders of that time, constrained by financial limitations, were compelled to incorporate the charred supports into the new walls and ceilings. The initial surprise quickly turned into concern, leaving no doubt that these unstable remnants of fire had to be replaced with solid alternatives.

Today, Chesa Pedrolini stands not only as a testament to the rich history and culture of the Engadin but also as a symbol of successful preservation and architectural synergy. It represents the significant responsibility that falls upon anyone seeking to restore a historical gem to its former glory.