Residential Project in Florence:
Harmony of Stones in a Former Artisan Workshop
We are delighted to present a project of great charm and refinement, which bears witness to the perfect fusion of history, contemporary design and the excellence of stone materials. Located in the heart of Florence, in Via Magliabechi, a few steps from the majestic Piazza Santa Croce, this home is the result of the skilful conversion of a former artisan workshop.
The transformation was guided by the careful and meticulous vision of the owners, Maurizio, his wife Carlotta and their daughter Costanza (an architect in New York), who personally oversaw every detail of the design. We at Pietre di Rapolano were entrusted with the creation and installation of the marble, a key element that defines the distinctive character and atmosphere of the rooms.
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A Project of Long Gestation and Utmost Care
The realisation of this project was not a race, but a meticulous journey towards excellence. From the initial meetings to select the stone materials to the completion of the work, almost four years passed.
This long period testifies to the care and attention that Maurizio constantly devoted to every detail, ensuring that every architectural and furnishing element was perfectly aligned with his vision.
The Architecture of Spaces: Light, Matter and History
The entire project is spread over several levels, creating a continuous dialogue between the interior spaces and the exterior areas, as can be seen from the charming sunken courtyard and the large windows that flood the interiors with natural light.
For the exteriors and the areas surrounding the charming Turkish bath/outdoor hot tub, we used San Peter Travertine. This stone, with its warm tones and natural texture, guarantees resistance, elegance and aesthetic continuity with the surrounding architecture.
The same material was used for the courtyard leading to the house, where a large format was chosen: 120×120 cm tiles. The same was used on the terrace of the master bedroom on the first floor.
Details of History and Prestige in the Living Room
The project stands out for its deep respect for Florentine history. One extraordinary feature is the imposing columns that dominate the main living area.
Made of Pietra Serena stone, these columns are not simply structural elements, but authentic pieces of history: they were part of the ancient entrance to Palazzo Doni, the historic residence where Michelangelo painted the famous Tondo Doni. This noble recycled element adds a layer of inestimable value and narrative to the entire home, creating a bridge between the Renaissance and contemporary architecture.
Elegance and Depth: Emperador Marbles
The interior surfaces have been enhanced by the use of fine Emperador marble, imported directly from Spain, which gives a unique chromatic depth and a warm, luxurious atmosphere:
- Basement: All floors have been covered with Emperador Chiaro, balancing brightness and warmth. The flooring extends throughout the entire floor, from the common rooms to the bedrooms and bathrooms.
- Master bedroom and kitchen: The intense Emperador Scuro was chosen for the flooring in these areas. Its rich veins and deep tone create a striking visual impact, particularly in the luxurious master bathroom. The kitchen was created with slabs cut to size to create a monoblock effect for the countertops.
The Link with the Territory: Rapolano Travertine
A touch of Tuscan authenticity is guaranteed by the bathrooms in the basement, where we laid Travertino Becagli Scuro di Rapolano. This local stone adds a textural note and a delicate contrast to the Spanish marble, celebrating our artisan tradition.
This Florentine project is a striking example of how the quality of the raw material, combined with bold design and impeccable execution, can transform an industrial space into an exclusive and characterful home, steeped in history and meticulously crafted over almost four years.
Project references
We are grateful to Maurizio, his wife Carlotta and their daughter Costanza for their trust and extraordinary dedication, which made this magnificent work possible!
Ideas and insights: project gallery
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