A total white volume framed by the landscape

The so-called Trabocchi Coast, a jagged stretch of coastline modelled by the Adriatic Sea in the southernmost part of the Abruzzo region, is a succession of inlets, coves and rocky spurs to which the Trabocchi, wooden stilted constructions used for fishing, are anchored. Like stalwart sentries guarding the stretch of coastline, the Trabocchi were described by poet Gabriele D’Annunzio as «colossal spiders» and serve as a visual counterpoint to the coastal vegetation. In this context, in the town of Fossacesia Marina in the province of Chieti, stands the Supporter Deluxe Hotel, a five-star establishment designed by the practice Di Pasquale Architetti. «Our brief was to renovate and expand a hotel that had been shut down for years and to give a new look to spaces that already had a well-defined function,» says Enzo Di Pasquale. The design approach sought to introduce and refine a new spatial and distributive architectural language, pursuing the refined minimalism of the forms and definition of the volumes of the structure set within the surrounding landscape. «We sought to combine the functional requirements with a new aesthetic concept that would open up the structure towards the sea and the horizon,» explains the architect. This led to the decision to expand the ground floor housing the seafront restaurant so as to create large terraces for the first floor rooms, and at the same time to create two large panoramic terraces on the top floor to help redefine and lighten up the structure’s elevations. The outdoor spaces were also redesigned, while the architects had no doubts about the choice of colour, opting unhesitatingly for total white. «We wanted to maintain the maximum neutrality towards the landscape, which is the key feature of the site. Alongside the green vegetation of the coast and the blue of the sea, we opted to use only white, which enhances the colour of nature and minimises the volumetric impact of the hotel,» continues Di Pasquale. Last but not least, the pergolas and awnings used to screen the natural light added vibrant notes to the elegant and minimalist renovation project. «The materials and finishes were also designed in relation to the luminous whiteness of the exteriors and the need for unobtrusive interiors,» continues the architect. In particular, this involved refreshing all the surfaces. Panaria’s Zero.3 Must laminated porcelain slabs were chosen in the White Star colour for the communal areas on the ground floor, the lobby and the restaurant for their neutral tone, which creates a visual sensation of uniformity and widens the perspective of the spaces. For the exteriors, the surfaces of the guestroom balconies and the large terraces, the architects opted for Panaria’s Discover Strutturato collection in the colour White to maintain monochromatic continuity while achieving the levels of durability needed for this kind of application. The intense luminosity of the total white surface also invades the pool area, where the Frame — Glen collection from Panaria’s Fiordo line was chosen for the outdoor paving, a visually-striking interpretation of the natural look of sedimentary rock. The combination of the white interiors and the stunning views of the landscape creates a sophisticated overall atmosphere.