13th century palace in Venice

Located at San Barnaba in the Dorsoduro area in Venice, it is a small 400 square metres palace in Gothic style from the 13th century. It has a typical internal courtyard and is composed of two floors. The restoration and the redevelopment project has been focused on the definition of a new lay out of space adapted to a comfortable and contemporary way of life. The stone stairs connecting the two levels, have been completely redesigned and have become a highly identifying element. Considering the delicate context, the precious finishes have been carefully and artistically restored. Local building traditions and materials have been used with a contemporary twist. Walls have been coated with light 'marmorino' obtained from Istria stone, also used for the seamless floor. The restoration work has been extremely respectful but innovation and technology have been introduced to maximize comfort. OT67 burnished brass OS2 door and window frame system has been chosen. It combines the slenderness and elegance of its profiles with the lengthy resistance of the material exposed to the harsh marine environment of Venetian lagoon and fits perfectly with the Venetian historical setting.» The architect’s choiceDoors and loggia are a strong means of expression for the Venitian Gothic style. Its lightness springs from the juxtaposition of full and empty spaces, explains architect Alberto Torsello who has been using Secco burnished brass OS2 system for all the doors and windows of this palace. He continues: The frame which is surrounding a Gothic window must take into account the specific delicacy of the context and requires extreme discretion. From outside it is easy to make disappear a burnished brass window because through the effect of light, it does melt in the inside darkness of the room. On the other hand it is more difficult inside where the central column of the window may be practically cancelled. Thanks to the OS2 thin profiles we have been able to maintain the complete architectural integrity and power of expression of the window avoiding that it became a disturbing element. As the house is mainly northward, windows have been used to optimize the light flow. To enlighten the internal space has been a crucial element of the project. The slim window frames as well as the use of close to white Istria stone in the whole house for the seamless floor as well for the walls, have been essential to obtain this effect. The lightness and delicacy of Venetian gothic have been emphasized.