Memoria di Collina
Rising amidst the vine covered hills of Florence, Memoria di Collina is shaped through a contemporary reinterpretation of its former identity. The architecture preserves the historic character through stone masonry and arched openings, while new interventions are articulated as a clearly legible contemporary layer. In the Rustico building, terra cotta plaster surfaces distinguish the new from the original fabric. A light canopy of GLT arched frames, clad in tensile fabric, extends over the courtyard to provide shade and spatial definition while allowing the historic walls to remain fully perceptible. At the rear of the estate, a serene water feature begins beneath an old olive tree and flows gently across terracotta stepping stones into the infinity pool, connecting the entire site through a continuous landscape gesture.
The spatial organization of Memoria di Collina is structured around a central courtyard that acts as the primary connective element of the estate. Social areas, the infinity pool, fire pit, and yoga deck are arranged to frame this communal core while maintaining visual continuity with the surrounding vineyards. The light GLT canopy reinforces this spatial order by defining circulation and gathering zones without interrupting the historic envelope. New architectural interventions are consistently expressed as contemporary layers adjacent to the original stone structure, ensuring a clear reading of old and new. The water element at the rear of the site further strengthens the sectional continuity of the landscape, guiding movement and perception across different levels of the terrain.
Inside Memoria di Collina, a contrasting architectural layer unfolds through differentiated spatial atmospheres. Natural materials form the backbone of the interior language, with traces of the original structure and tectonics subtly reappearing throughout. In the living areas, stainless steel surfaces are juxtaposed with terracotta and marble, creating a refined yet tactile spatial experience. Upstairs, the bedrooms are defined by calmer beige clay tones that establish a serene and grounding environment. Terracotta reemerges as a delicate detail throughout the interiors, while in the wet areas it becomes more pronounced, generating unexpected contrasts and distinctive spatial moments. The program extends from warm social spaces in the Manor House to the spa, mixology lab and wine cellar, each articulated to offer a unique experiential sequence.
