Urban regeneration has become an increasingly topical issue in Italy in recent years, driven by the decommissioning of large numbers of industrial buildings and the need to restore or repurpose properties that are either substandard or were originally intended for other uses. Rural buildings, in particular, are found in large numbers across the country and offer significant potential for redevelopment. By preserving and enhancing their distinctive features, these structures can be reimagined within contemporary housing models, combining historical character with modern design solutions.
A prime example of this approach is a project by architect Andrea Benedetti of Panificio Architecture Workshop in the province of Brescia, where a rural complex originally used for agriculture has been transformed into an elegant private residence. The extensive renovation integrated several formerly separate buildings into a single, cohesive living space. Throughout the process, great care was taken to preserve and highlight the site’s original architectural elements, including wooden trusses, ridge beams, purlins and a traditional wooden roof with hollow clay ceiling tiles. Inside, however, the architect adopted a rather different approach, contrasting period elements with a contemporary design language and a colour and material palette that in some areas subtly complements the historic features and in others makes a bolder statement. The use of porcelain stoneware tiles from Florim Ceramiche perfectly encapsulates this dialogue between past and present. A modern material with outstanding technical characteristics, it integrates seamlessly into the design, striking an elegant balance between tradition and innovation.
“In our redevelopment project, we embraced the aesthetic of Florim products, specifically the Sensi series in the Fossil finish,” explains architect Andrea Benedetti. “This choice was no accident; it aligns with our broader vision of sustainable transformation. The barn and main house embody the historical memory of this place, so the restoration project required materials that could engage with the past while meeting contemporary needs. The Sensi series impressed us with its ability to evoke nature in its purest form, with surfaces that tell stories of ancient stone and sedimentation. These materials fit perfectly with our philosophy of regeneration without consuming new land. Florim proved to be an ideal partner, providing aesthetically refined and eco-friendly solutions that enhance natural light, expand the perception of space and restore a sense of harmony and well-being. The Fossil finish, with its delicate veining and nuanced tones, is more than just an aesthetic choice – it symbolises our commitment to an architecture that celebrates the earth and its history. Each surface becomes a canvas that tells the story of the past while offering a sustainable vision for the future.”
The Sensi collection, designed by Matteo Thun, was chosen in the Grey colour and in the Dust, Sand and Fossil patterns. It was used extensively for both interior and exterior flooring, as well as for the staircase, TV console and ground-floor bathrooms. Inspired by the tactile sensation of sand, the various versions in the same colour create a seamless, fluid atmosphere, while the alternation of graphic motifs adds a touch of elegance. This organic use of materials enhances the sense of continuity, allowing spaces to flow harmoniously from one to the next. As a pleasing contrast to the understated sophistication of Sensi, the Heritage Luxe collection in the vibrant Emerald tone was chosen for the kitchen countertop, sink and island side panels. The bold, expressive porcelain slabs harmonise with the warm tones of the original wooden beams, giving the home a distinctive character. Finally, the master bedroom and adjoining bathroom are defined by the soft veining of the Rock Salt collection in the colour Celtic Grey. This choice not only creates a unique atmosphere in these private spaces but also reinforces the overall interior design vision, bringing a sense of tranquillity and natural elegance.
