The project area is a triangular space at the intersection of two monumental building: the apse of the Basilica of San Lorenzo and the octagonal volume of the Medici chapels. The orientation and monumental scale of the two existing buildings ensure that the space is almost always in shadow – reducing the clarity of the site with a rather confusing identity from the start. Respect for the surrounding structures and their rich historical context informed every detail of the project, though it was also important to allow the new structure to affirm its own distinct and recognizable identity.

We drew inspiration from the Florentine Renaissance, with its harmony of proportions, marked by contrasting chromatic elements. One such example is Michelangelo's exemplary New Sacristy, located within the complex.

Cappelle Medicee
Competition Entry
2018

Competition entry (honorable mention) for a residential tower in Lima, Peru. The brief required 81 apartments from two to four bedrooms, staff areas, event room, a gym, a pool, a roof garden and four levels of underground parking. The site is in central Lima facing the golf club on one side and with sea views to the other. Such a prestigious location came with strict envelope restrictions. The design emphasises the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces, maximising natural light and while maintaining privacy in every dwelling. This is achieved by the careful juxtaposition of blocks shifted apart and rotated, forming a pattern of voids and solids that prevents overlooking.

Rascacielo Apartments
Competition entry
2013

This project required the conversion of a new building into a youth hostel with 20 bedrooms, a restaurant at street level, common areas and two levels of underground parking. Situated just outside the historic centre of Rome, the revamp needed to fit its rich context in the historic neighbourhood of San Lorenzo. Of the many architectural styles in the local area we chose to relate our design to the neighbouring industrial buildings and artists’ studios – combining modern geometric shapes with timeless materials.

Study for a Youth Hostel
Visibility Study
2016

The Art Foundation required the conversion of a school building into an exhibition space. The existing buildings comprised a main volume along the edge of the site, a shed building inside the precinct and a separate corner building. The key feature of the project is a new glazed block that connects the first two volumes and hosts the entire vertical and horizontal circulation, allowing the creation of an unobstructed exhibition area at each end. The new block is wrapped by a coloured string shading device which adjusts to the angle of the sun to guarantee excellent energy performance. In addition to the exhibition areas and storage, the project includes a conference room, shop, café, library and a media room. The corner building is used as accommodation for an artist-in-residence.

Study for an Art Foundation
Visibility Study
2011