The renovation project in Lucca has transformed an ancient medieval tower and the attics of a historic 16th-century Palace Spada into a modern apartment of extraordinary beauty and functionality. Under the direction of architect Roberto Pedicone, in collaboration with the owners, Carmine and Sabina, this ambitious restoration, which lasted about two years, involved 630 square meters of previously uninhabited and deteriorated spaces.
The intervention required significant structural works, including the consolidation of floors, the roof, and brick walls, with the goal of preserving the historic charm of the building while integrating modern elements to make it comfortable and livable. From the outset, the project aimed to enhance the original materials, such as bricks and wooden beams, by recovering and integrating them with new elements where necessary, in a spirit of respect for the site’s history.
The interiors reveal a modern style interwoven with the past: large open spaces, high ceilings, exposed beams, and grand arched windows offering breathtaking views of Lucca’s rooftops and the surrounding mountains. The carefully selected furniture, partially designed by the owners themselves, features natural materials such as aged iron and Carrara marble, grounding the project in its local context. The stabilized iron furniture adds a sense of artisanal sturdiness, contrasting with the softness of fabrics and stone surfaces, contributing to an elegant yet classic touch.
The furnishings are designed to combine aesthetics and functionality: spacious sofas, contemporary-design armchairs, and elegant yet practical tables, with vibrant colors such as red and blue that enliven the spaces and balance the neutral tones of the walls. Every corner of the apartment tells a story, from the restoration of the attics to the mezzanine areas and staircases, all elements that have restored architectural dignity to these volumes.
The large double-height living room represents the heart of the home, designed to be both welcoming and flexible, while the masonry and iron staircases connect the various levels, leading visitors on a journey through the entire project. The upper part of the tower houses a multifunctional area that blends work and leisure, featuring a desk, bookshelves, a foosball table, and a play corner, maintaining the rustic charm of the exposed beam ceiling and small oval windows. The more private spaces, such as the bedrooms, offer an intimate atmosphere thanks to wooden floors, soft-toned walls, and customized furnishings, making each room unique with artworks, designer furniture, and panoramic windows overlooking Lucca’s rooftops.
The terraces and outdoor spaces, with views over the city of Lucca and its hills, are designed for relaxation and enjoyment of the landscape, creating small oases of tranquility in a privileged location. The project represents a harmonious dialogue between past and present, celebrating the building’s history through a respectful restoration while integrating contemporary design elements that enhance its beauty and functionality, transforming an ancient medieval tower into a unique residence where history and modernity coexist in perfect balance.
CREDITS
Project: Palazzo Spada
Architect: Roberto Pedicone
Year: 2017
Location: Lucca, Italy
Photography: Federico Gravina
