Restoration of historical buildings of Villa Fortuna

The Regenerating Villa Fortuna project is already underway and is set for completion in 2027.

This ambitious initiative encompasses everything from restoring dilapidated buildings to sustainable energy production, water management, soil regeneration, and enhancing biodiversity. A dedicated area will be set aside exclusively for wildlife, where human access—whether for practical use or leisure—will not be permitted.

The restored buildings will serve as the headquarters of the Fondazione Capellino and the Reintegration Economy School, while the remaining space will be used for agricultural activities.

Conservation of building heritage

The restoration of the buildings will follow principles of bio-architecture and energy self-sufficiency, ensuring that no new land is occupied.

The complex, which includes a villa and a historic farmhouse protected by the Fine Arts, along with two agricultural farmhouses and a hospitality structure, will be carefully restored. The approach will prioritise philological conservation while enhancing performance and sustainability.

The restoration will use materials that are compatible with the original structures, incorporating structural reinforcementand thermal insulation systems made from natural materials such as clay, helping to minimise energy loss.

Sustainable self-production of energy

The energy system is designed to be self-sufficient and minimise CO₂ emissions by harnessing a mix of renewable energy sources. The technologies in use include:

• Low-enthalpy geothermal energy for heating buildings.

• Photovoltaic panels for generating electricity, with storage in high-efficiency batteries.

• Wood biomass boilers with advanced combustion systems that produce minimal particulate emissions, used as a supplementary heat source during winter.

In the summer, surplus solar energy will be stored or fed into the grid, while in winter, limited photovoltaic production will be prioritised for electricity use. During colder months, state-of-the-art wood boilers will provide heating, while geothermal energy and heat pumps will optimise energy consumption for both heating and cooling.

Water management and mitigation of hydrogeological risk

• Water management will be optimised by implementing K-lines, which help prevent soil erosion while enhancing water retention and infiltration.

• The use of drinking water from the aqueduct will be strictly limited to food-related purposes, reducing overall consumption. Additionally, the project will promote soil health through permanent ground cover in agricultural areas and the planting of 10,000 new trees and shrubs, fostering biodiversity and resilience.

Regenerative agriculture

• On 10 of the 22 hectares, a biodiverse agricultural system will be developed, featuring an agroforestry approach that is managed using innovative, sustainable techniques. This system will completely eliminate synthetic chemicals, instead relying on natural plant synergies and soil regeneration methods.

  Soil fertility will be enhanced primarily through the use of K-lines, self-produced compost, and earthworms, alongside fully biodegradable treatments for pest control—only when necessary and only in cases where natural agroforestry defences are insufficient.

Biodiversity protection

To support wildlife and habitat restoration, a range of active conservation measures will be implemented, including:

• Establishing ecological corridors and bird perches to enhance connectivity and provide safe resting spots.

• Creating a biodiverse pond within the 12 hectares reserved for wildlife, serving as a vital water source for fauna and a rich microhabitat for amphibians and pollinating insects.s;

• Minimising human interference, enforcing a hunting ban across the entire property, and strictly prohibiting human access to 12 of the 22 hectares to ensure a truly protected environment.

Here is a short video description (in Italian, with English subtitles):