Foresteria Lampedusa
Location: Castellaro, Italy
Type: Hospitality
Project developed for: Private client
This is an adaptive re-use project. We have been asked to propose a programmatic and architectural scheme for a remote destination that lies in the mountains of Northern Italy overlooking the coast. Within the plot there are still parts of an old church with symbolic value for the region. The proposal blends the building technology of today with an abandoned structure of symbolic value for the region, breathes new life into the unused but exquisitely beautiful site and creates a sense of place that would not be possible to imitate.
The reception, boxed within the remaining old church stone walls, is the only prominent structure above ground level. The rest of the building is fully merged into the landscape. The roofs of all guest-houses are planted with local herbs to:
- disappear in the body of the mountain and
- create an instant sense of place made of scents upon arrival.
Guests are invited into an experience that engages all senses to bring forward the character of the area through authentic stories of flavors, scents, sounds, colors and local myths.
The main building materials are timber, local flora and stone, part of which is re-purposed and comes from the plot. The use of bio-based materials and local crafting techniques has the design fully merged with its natural and architectural surroundings.
The outdoor common area offers a vast relaxation space that opens towards the view.
The guest rooms are built around an experience of privacy. They are hidden from view, merged into the landscape, and covered with local flora. All this enhances the feeling of solitude in the beauty of nature.
The materials for the guest-houses interior are selected to absorb, not reflect the light and in this way create calmness and a naturally serene ambience. Wall fixtures respond to any needs around lighting, storage and hotel-room supplies leaving the space almost free of furniture.
