Located within the old city centre of Basiglio in the municipality of Milano, this renovation project invites you to marvel at how integrating and implementing nature can poetically breathe new life into an old, abandoned farmhouse and garden, transforming it into a fantastical and dreamlike hideaway just minutes away from the bustling and chaotic metropolis.

The project finds its roots and inspiration in the timeless tale of Alice in Wonderland, drawing from its otherworldly natural and whimsical world. To this end, the transformative endeavor not only imbues the hidden back garden with magic and vitality, making it the new true heart of the project, but also adds new functions and spaces to establish a delicate yet captivating dialogue between the exterior and interior, creating a harmonious sense of cosy modernity.

By joyfully redesigning the interior spaces and allowing them to flow both visually and naturally from one to the other, re-establishing the much-needed symmetry of the façade, and creating two new arched glazed openings toward the garden, the project ensures an abundance of natural light while, most importantly, welcoming the garden into the living spaces and embracing a truly immersive and biophilic living experience.

The farmhouse building spans two floors. On the ground floor, the public spaces include a living room with a fireplace, an open-plan kitchen, and a dining area, while on the first floor, the bedrooms are complemented by playful, hidden, and cosy spaces tucked under the roof—perfect for discovering and experiencing while gazing at the stars through newly designed skylights. The landscaping, meanwhile, has been completely transformed. The front area now features a delicately curated garden with fruit trees, flowers, and a vegetable patch, where a wonderful breakfast table is nestled to enjoy the scents and morning sun rays. The back garden, in contrast, is an enchanting oasis that beckons you to discover its lush, vibrant flora, meandering pathways, and seating areas perfect for lunch under the dappled light or for teatime! Curated to transport you into a realm of wonder and exploration, we drew inspiration from Victorian and Liberty styles to carefully design the new glass and steel conservatory—especially for the winter months when the harsh weather slowly creeps into the garden. The lower part of the old barn houses a laundry and storage area, while the exterior staircase leads to the top floor, which has been transformed into a studio library. Crafted in steel and glass, the conservatory and staircase effortlessly harmonizes with nature and acts as an elegant portal, inviting you to venture further into the experience.

Whether relaxing in front of the fire in the main house, enjoying the serenity of nature in the conservatory, unwinding in the upstairs barn studio, or venturing into the garden to uncover its secrets, the project captivates you with its blend of enchantment and modernity. It invites you to embrace wonder and embark on a journey where architecture and nature weave a tale of beauty, charm, and endless possibilities—where reality and fantasy seamlessly intertwine, and the very fabric of existence is bent and reshaped by imagination.

Name: Basiglio Wonderland
Location: Milano, Italy
Client: Private
Size: 482 m2+ garden
Status: Under construction
MCA Principal: Matteo Cainer
MCA Team: Chiara Antonelli, Alessia Maierna
Construction: Team Edilizia S.r.l