Revitalization in Tuscany
Mario Cucinella Architects Design Cultural Centre
© Duccio Malagamba
The Palazzo Senza Tempo by Italian studio Mario Cucinella Architects brings new life to Tuscany. With its cantilevered terrace, the cultural building fits in with the existing urban structures. It comprises not only a new building, but medieval edifices as well, and develops over several levels of the hilly village.
© Duccio Malagamba
Behind the new Palazzo Senza Tempo, the planners have modernized a pre-existing row of houses, thus preserving some of the heritage of the small Tuscan village of Peccioli. At the same time, the new cultural program will contribute to the revival of the village centre.
Historical charm meets panoramic terrace
The revitalization project concentrates on townhouses from the 14th century. These have been repurposed and connected inside and out with a new volume that stands on the slope before them. The new building has replaced a dilapidated house and extends over two storeys. The diverse spaces of the cultural centre have been added to the original residential function: along with galleries and exhibition spaces, there are a media library, coworking and event areas as well as a café and a restaurant.
© Duccio Malagamba
The highlight is a 600-m² terrace that is located on the roof of the new wing. In front of the refurbished historical buildings, it cantilevers towards the valley. As a lookout platform and public piazza, its view over the Tuscan landscape attracts visitors and locals alike.
Preserve the old, create the new
The architects have renovated the façades of the pre-existing buildings; in places, they break up the historical ensemble with ceiling-high windows, oriels and skylights.
© Duccio Malagamba
Beneath the jutting terrace, the new wing of the cultural centre opens onto panoramic glazing with a view of the surroundings. The glazed area is framed with vertical wooden slats and accompanied by an exterior stairway that leads to a small forecourt on the ground floor of the Palazzo Senza Tempo. The glass allows views into the contemporary new building. A generous auditorium of wood features seating steps and kindles the desire for culture even as it brings new life to this small village in Tuscany.
Architecture: Mario Cucinella Architects
Client: Belvedere SpA
Location: 56037 Peccioli (IT)
Structural engineering: Ing. Augusto Bottai
Building services engineering: Ing. Luca Sani
Contractor: Cemes SpA, Bottai Group
Effective floor area: 2500 m²
Gallery
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