projects | Viabizzuno progettiamo la luce

the apartment is located in the historic centre of this piedmont town, in an enclosed order convent next to an early renaissance church. research in the city archives shows that architectonic elements of the “oratory” date to the early 11th century, confirmed by analysis of the geometric motifs in the frescoes on the internal walls. at that time it is probable that the building consisted only of a chapel and small annexe. known in subsequent ages as the “oratory of the holy trinity”, it became the permanent residence of the confraternity of the “red cross” and served as a house for receiving pilgrims and particularly for taking care of the poor. A decree by francesco de’ medici in 1583 allowed the fraternity to replace their traditional white habits with red ones in honour of their work, so linked with blood. the congregation continued to be known in the region as the ‘red brotherhood’. the remainder of the building was reconstructed in the early 18th century when an open-air prayer hall was built around a typical monastery garden. the structure recently underwent restoration which led to the creation of 5 luxury apartments set around the shared cloister garden. the main apartment was bought and designed by a belgian couple who, working closely with architect natascha coolsaet, succeeded in creating a tranquil location for those on business trips, pleasure trips or in search of a place for meditation. the aim was to make minimal modifications internally in order to maintain the building’s historical nature. the area that was once the main entrance, and still bears the ancient crest on the cross-vault, was linked to a part of the narrow prayer hall to create a long, narrow space in the open air. ancient elements such as the ceiling, the internal staircase and the well were maintained and meticulously restored. where possible the original frescoes were retained, creating an artistic journey spanning 500 years. new paintings were added using traditional lime-based techniques. in the ‘loft’ type area the owners wanted to created two distinct environments and atmospheres. The main and larger area – probably once used to receive benefactors – was visually separated from the long prayer hall, thus maintaining an intimate and secluded character. this living area is the ideal space for intimate meals, reflection and reading. a place to spend winter evenings in good company and celebrate life with extraordinary local products. the area is linked to a cistern below where wine and books are stored. the longitudinal prayer hall houses a central kitchen, leaving ample open space. to illuminate the corridor, linked to the internal courtyard, the chain lighting body has been used which is suited to the open character of natural light, while the downlight spot was used to emphasise the length and rhythmic space of the corridor. chain lighting was set on the architectonic beams in order to obviate any relationship with the specific internal elements of each environment. the other rooms are lit with wall-lighting which, apparently, is not integrated with the context but gives the sensation of being put there almost casually to emphasise the details of the ancient remains, such as the precious frescoes or the old red bricks, and at the same time the new activities (eating, reading, hospitality…) thus producing the effect of candlelight, warm and welcoming.