Modern-day hospitality with a sense of history

The transformation of Palazzo Feroci into a guesthouse seemed predestined, given its historical origins as 16th-century lodgings for the Knights of the Tau, a military order founded by Cosimo I de’ Medici, the first Grand Duke of Tuscany. Located in the city centre of Pisa, the palazzo evolved over time, assuming its current form in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The historic building recently underwent a redevelopment and restoration project that has returned it to its original function of hospitality. True to its history, Palazzo Feroci now houses luxury suites and apartments.

The architectural project was awarded to Studio Linea Architettura, founded by Alice Nardi and Roberto Scribano Memoria, with the specific brief of maintaining the utmost respect for the history of the stately home. The architects reorganised the spaces of this 1,000-square-metre building to create 10 unique suites, each with its own distinct character and warm, welcoming colours. The meticulous restoration, which lasted nearly two years and was carried out by specialised craftsmen, focused on preserving as many original features of the building as possible. Traditional materials and techniques were used to maintain the authenticity and integrity of the structure. The expertise of Studio Linea Architettura proved crucial in balancing the contemporary restyling with the building’s historical, architectural and decorative qualities. Flexibility was a major consideration during the design and execution phases, particularly in terms of the technology and plant solutions. Equally important was the studio’s knowledge of conservation practices, ensuring that the original elements of the building were both preserved and enhanced. “To maintain the spirit of the original building as far as possible, we began by conducting an initial extensive investigation of its historical elements through studies and archival research, which enabled us to understand how the building had evolved over the centuries,” explains Roberto Scribano Memoria. The original frescoes and wall and ceiling decorations were all painstakingly restored. Where possible, the old terracotta floors were preserved, although the small thickness of the floors proved problematical when incorporating modern utilities. “When the old materials could not be salvaged, we opted for natural alternatives such as wood, stone or handmade cement tiles,” the architect adds. For the interior, Studio Linea Architettura created a design that seamlessly blends elements of the past with contemporary touches, transforming each suite into a unique, self-contained microcosm. The bathrooms also maintain an exclusive look thanks to the sophisticated colour combinations between the wallpaper and various versions of Marazzi’s Crogiolo porcelain stoneware collection. This collection reinterprets polished majolica tiles with irregular surfaces, giving them a handmade feel. The tiles selected for the showers and other vertical surfaces include Rice in natural lux and white lux, Zellige in sage, and Lume in MGRS musk, white lux, blue lux and greige. The D_Segni Blend in green and smoke used on the floors evokes the look of traditional cement tiles.