Careful restoration

In the heart of Corso Italia in Milan, a small yet highly significant interior within Casa Sissa – a residential building by Gio Ponti and Emilio Lancia – has been given renewed life and purpose. The architecture of the residence balances Rationalist, eclectic, and Novecento elements, emblematic of Italian design of the period. The intervention addresses the theme of conservative restoration with philological rigor, while carefully accommodating new functions related to contemporary professional use.

 

Spatial Organization

The studio occupies a wing of the building facing Corso Italia. The plan is organized around an entrance hall equipped with full-height cabinetry, leading to a large, luminous open workspace. This is complemented by a more intimate meeting room overlooking the internal garden, a coffee area, a bathroom with an antechamber, and discreetly concealed technical zones. The original layout is respected throughout: double-leaf glazed doors, reconstructed after the loss of the originals, open onto the principal spaces, while smoked oak boiseries line the entrance, adding warmth and depth.

 

Material Palette

All design decisions stem from close engagement with the existing fabric. The original oak floors, laid in a herringbone pattern in the meeting room and in 40×40cm diamond-patterned parquet tiles in the work area, were carefully recovered, reassembled, and integrated where necessary to accommodate new technical systems. This rare flooring, discovered beneath later coverings, was restored with meticulous attention. In other areas, black cementine tiles imitating Belgian Black marble were retained; where suitable replacements could not be sourced, continuity was ensured through slabs of actual marble matched in tone and finish.

Wall surfaces were treated with an almost archaeological approach. Original 1930s plasters and decorative finishes, concealed beneath subsequent layers, were revealed, consolidated, and reintegrated where lacunae existed. In the meeting room, the green wall tone recalls the chromatic palette of the era. Windows, handles, and hinges were also restored: each metal element was dismantled, cleaned, and, in some cases, recast from molds, revealing the variety of original brass and iron finishes. Positioned between Modernism and Novecento taste, these details testify to a project in which elegance and technical precision intersect with material culture.

 

 

Furnishings & Restoration Practices

The built-in furnishings, entirely custom-designed, define functions with discretion. Storage units, consoles, and worktables in bleached ash articulate the space without interrupting the historical legibility of the interiors. The condominium entrance hall is conceived as an integral part of the project. Though still awaiting restoration, it preserves original wall cladding in Palissandro Blu marble – a rare Italian stone from Piedmont – laid in a diamond pattern, a motif echoed in the office flooring.

Other notable elements include the striped plaster ceiling, a recessed lamp beneath a marble bench, and a large, glazed window that floods the staircase with light, all poised between Novecento and Modernist sensibilities. The intervention stands as both an act of care toward the historic fabric and a clear declaration of method.

 

Sculptural retreat

The project reimagines an unused 70 m² space on the ground floor of a private villa, transforming it into a sculptural wine cellar and gym. The result is a raw yet refined interior, where craftsmanship and material expression elevate a once-neglected service area into a striking, atmospheric retreat.

 

Renovation Strategy

Previously sealed off, the space was challenged by irregular geometry, high humidity, and insufficient ventilation. The intervention began with comprehensive hydro-isolation works and the installation of a new ventilation system, establishing the conditions for a stable and controlled microclimate. Significant variations in floor levels, ranging from 1m to 2.5m, along with narrow corridors, were synthesized into a cohesive spatial strategy.

 

 

Design Philosophy

The design draws inspiration from ancient Greek theatres, where tiered seating generates depth and visual drama. This reference informed the project’s sculptural language, shaping the relationship between light, materiality, and elevation. The dynamic front composition accommodates the wine fridges and is clad in brushed, fire-treated solid wood, offering a rich, tactile surface. Along the perimeter, wine bottle storage is formed from exposed structural reinforcement bars – an approach echoed in the oxidized metal shelving designed for glassware.

 

 

Material Palette

Handcrafted elements play a central role in defining the atmosphere. The wine cellar unfolds in a palette of grey and amber tones, contrasted by Corten-effect metal sliding doors that discreetly conceal all technical equipment. At its core, a monolithic bar table carved from black lava stone anchors the space as a powerful focal point.

 

Historical continuity

The traditional guesthouse occupies one of the most iconic buildings in the Old Town of Chania, dating back to the late 16th or early 17th century. The structure has been meticulously restored to preserve and showcase its historical character. Distinguished by the original stone columns on its façade, Aisha exudes a unique charm, specifically a refined blend of architectural influences that narrates the rich history of the area.

 

Functional Layout

The hotel features seven suites, five on the ground floor and two on the upper level, each named after the original function of the space in the historic building. The new layout embraces natural materials such as stone, wood, marble, and metal, while an earthy, neutral palette ensures a sense of warmth and luminosity. The design philosophy is rooted in the harmonious coexistence of old and new, aiming to evoke a subtle sense of nostalgia while offering contemporary comfort and elegance.

 

Adaptive Reuse Strategy

In keeping with this vision, several materials discovered on-site were carefully restored and repurposed, including the traditional cement tiles of the courtyard and a marble sink transformed into a washbasin. Original features, such as the wooden tsatmas (partition wall) along the first-floor corridor, the old fireplace in the “Fournos” suite, and the stone washing basin, also adapted into a washbasin, were reconstructed and preserved in their authentic form. The restoration process was carried out in close collaboration with local craftsmen, whose artistry and technical knowledge played a vital role in reviving the building’s historic essence.

 

 

Design Philosophy

The overall design strikes a delicate balance between contrasts, creating an atmosphere that feels simultaneously warm, authentic, and inviting. Every detail, from furniture and materials to decorative accents, has been thoughtfully selected to ensure a cohesive spatial narrative that encourages relaxation and a connection to the past. The intention behind Aisha Hotel is to offer guests a truly distinctive stay, immersed in the timeless beauty and tradition of Chania’s Old Town.

 

Sequential experience

The project explores the relationship between architecture, craftsmanship, and the experiential dimension of space, moving beyond mere composition or addition. The design unfolds beneath a sequence of vaulted ceilings that define the atmosphere of each room while uniting them into a continuous whole. Instead of dividing the interior, these curved forms guide the gaze, extend perspectives, and introduce a sense of lightness and fluidity throughout the space.

 

Layout Organization

Central to the spatial concept is a piece of custom-designed fixed furniture, conceived as both a storage element and an architectural device. It traces a continuous path from the entrance through the living area and onward to the private quarters, establishing a seamless spatial narrative. This uninterrupted flow organizes the domestic landscape with clarity and coherence, allowing functions to transition naturally while maintaining visual and physical continuity.

 

 

Material Palette

The material selection emphasizes natural refinement and balance. Marble introduces depth and variation through its texture and veining, while its dialogue with warm wood tones and soft light generates subtle contrasts. These interactions enhance the character of each space, reinforcing its identity without overpowering the overall harmony of the interior.

 

 

Custom Structures

Craftsmanship permeates every aspect of the project. Meticulously executed joinery adds warmth and tactility, complementing the apartment’s precise geometries. Ornamentation is deliberately restrained, replaced instead by a disciplined language of proportion, clarity, and material authenticity. By aligning spatial rhythm with artisanal precision, the design achieves a luminous and coherent domestic environment – an apartment that embodies both the rigor of architectural design and the sensitivity of handcrafted creation.

 

Secret sanctuaries

Situated beside the historic Mon Repos Palace in Corfu, within a secluded garden, two 19th-century storage buildings have been thoughtfully transformed into tranquil guesthouses. Preserving their minimal character, the structures were redesigned with deep respect for the site’s history and the surrounding Mediterranean landscape.

 

Spatial Organization

The larger of the two spaces has been conceived as an open-plan room, with the sleeping area subtly separated from the rest of the interior by sliding partitions made of fluted glass, framed in solid iroko wood. The design is defined by crisp white surfaces, complemented by natural textures and warm wooden tones. The floor is paved with black stone tiles, while three types of wood -iroko, American oak, and lacquered plywood- are used to add richness and contrast.

The smaller guesthouse features a single, integrated structure crafted from dark green lacquered plywood, serving as the central architectural element. This multifunctional unit discreetly incorporates storage, mechanical systems, a wood stove, and the air conditioning unit. Its clean lines maintain a sense of openness and order throughout the space.

 

 

Custom Design & Materials

In the first guesthouse, all furniture was custom-designed by the architects and handcrafted from solid American oak, 5 cm thick. Built-in cabinetry blends seamlessly with the architectural language of the space, combining white lacquered plywood with accents of American oak. Interiors are lined with oak veneer, further enhancing the tactile quality of the space.

In the second guesthouse, the choice of a deep green hue for the central built-in element evokes the lush vegetation of the garden, reinforcing the connection between inside and out. The ochre-toned stone flooring continues the visual narrative of the exterior, drawing the natural palette indoors.

 

 

Philosophy of Craftsmanship

At the core of both spaces is a reverence for craftsmanship. The precise joinery and refined construction details are not merely stylistic choices but expressions of care and intention. Every junction, surface, and bespoke element was designed at a 1:1 scale and realized by skilled local carpenters and glass artisans. Through the use of natural materials and an unwavering attention to detail, the guesthouses exude a sense of calm and timelessness -offering not just accommodation, but a place of retreat.

 

Sustainable design

The holiday residence is situated on the eastern side of Antiparos, just a few meters from the sea, offering uninterrupted views of southwestern Paros and the islet of Marmara.

 

Design Philosophy

Positioned at the center of the plot and aligned with the coastline, the house is framed by thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces. At the rear, a covered parking area and a sheltered entrance provide practical access, while the front features open-air and shaded living areas along with a swimming pool that overlooks the sea. This outdoor area sits above a garden planted with low-lying, native vegetation. The building is organized into two primary volumes: one containing the main living areas oriented toward the sea, and the other housing the bedrooms.

 

 

Spatial Organization

The ground floor includes three bedrooms, while the master suite occupies a private position on the upper floor. A core design principle -essential in any Cycladic residence- is that each interior space should extend seamlessly into the outdoors. This is achieved through large openings that visually and functionally integrate the interior with the exterior. The sense of continuity is further enhanced by the consistent use of materials both inside and out. Although the overall aesthetic is distinctly contemporary, the design pays homage to traditional Cycladic architecture through its geometry, construction methods, and the use of locally inspired materials.

 

 

Material Palette

The architectural expression is defined by white volumes, coarse plaster finishes, local stone, cement screed, and wooden pergolas. These are paired with high-quality materials and advanced technologies to ensure a standard of living that matches, or even surpasses, urban comforts. Sustainability is a guiding principle of the design. The residence has achieved top-tier certifications such as BREEAM, establishing it as the first truly “green” home in the Cyclades.

 

Architecture of contours

Anadu Pine Villa is situated in a secluded valley, a two-hour drive from Shanghai, enveloped by pine forests and shielded by a mountain draped in bamboo. This boutique estate comprises just three elegantly designed guest suites, each with panoramic views, complemented by a refined wine and cigar bar.

 

Design Philosophy

In line with Anadu’s philosophy of “Find yourself in nature,” the objective -from planning to architectural design- is to showcase the unique beauty of the valley’s pine forests. Consequently, the design aim was to harmonize with the natural landscape, creating an unparalleled retreat experience exclusive to Pine Villa. The buildings are thoughtfully positioned along the valley’s contours, each oriented to capture unique views. Guests are invited to embrace the gentle valley breeze as they embark on their journey to tranquility. At the entrance, a bamboo-textured concrete and charred black wood “L”-shaped gate harmoniously merges with the landscape, welcoming guests with open arms -embracing the valley’s greenery on one side and inviting visitors on the other.

Originally, an abandoned old house stood where the wine house now sits. To honor the site’s history, the new building echoes the old structure’s gabled roof, redesigned into a four-sloped form that creates a harmonious, tranquil scale from every angle. The walls are entirely made of glass, maximizing the views, while the northeast dining area faces a quieter hillside, and the semi-enclosed lounge provides a more private atmosphere.

 

 

Spatial Organization

A curved bamboo-textured wall leads guests from the wine house to the guest area, where the hard ground transitions into soft gravel paths, evoking a vacation atmosphere. At the path’s end, a small plaza provides a moment of pause before entering the guest area, enhancing the sense of seclusion. The three minimal standalone structures sit quietly in the valley, surrounded by the forest. Facing staggered walls that obscure the rear of the space, guests are invited to imagine what lies beyond.

Upon entering the space, the view dramatically opens up: two concrete slabs face the valley with no obstructions. The interior flows seamlessly with 270-degree panoramic views, offering a fully immersive experience. The rooms are embraced by nature on three sides, each framing its own unique view.

 

 

Materials, Lighting & Furniture

To keep the structure minimal, the buildings are cast from exposed concrete with integrated beams and embedded piping, ensuring no visible ceiling beams, lighting fixtures, or suspended structures. The clean concrete slabs unify the space. The floor slab floats above the valley, respecting and connecting with the terrain, while appearing to hover above it. Through the glass doors, each room opens onto a private backyard in the pine forest. The eaves extend into a shaded area, blending the indoors with nature. Every guest room has its own floating outdoor deck, offering a further connection to the valley.

The landscape design softens the boundaries between the estate and its surroundings, using native valley plants to integrate seamlessly into the environment. Discreet lighting, resembling fireflies, dots the pathways and grounds, enhancing the serene, secluded atmosphere.

The project extensively utilizes woodwork, wooden furniture, and wooden crafts, most of which are crafted from old wood sourced from local markets, with 80% of these items handcrafted by artisans. These repurposed woods are thoughtfully shaped by craftsmen to match the scale and essence of their surroundings, thereby enhancing the unique ambiance as well as supporting the preservation and continuation of local craftsmanship.