Italianoarchitecture has the power to restore us
This belief sits at the centre of our work at Pardini Hall Architecture, and it is embodied with clarity at Palazzina, a sustainable refurbishment set within the rural landscape of Forci, Tuscany. Framed by terraced hills, olive groves and uninterrupted views, the project explores how design can nurture wellbeing through sensitivity to place, atmosphere and experience.
Situated on an untouched hillside north-east of Lucca, the wider Tenuta di Forci estate is shaped by a holistic philosophy that values contemplation, nature and the rhythms of rural life. Palazzina becomes a continuation of this ethos. It is envisioned as a home that supports slower living, where architecture acts as an anchor to the land and encourages its inhabitants to reconnect with themselves and their surroundings.
rooted in landscape
The original stone building rises quietly from the hillside, its facades shaped by time and weather. Our intention is to preserve this identity while enhancing the building’s relationship with the landscape. Our concept drawings and site studies reveal how the house sits along existing contours, capturing light from the south-west and opening to long views across the valley .
By increasing window openings, introducing skylights and refining the orientation of rooms, the interior will become a sequence of spaces that follow the natural movement of the day. Light becomes a guiding material, supporting circadian rhythm and creating a foundation for wellbeing.
biophilic design in a tuscan setting
The project embraces the principles of biophilic design, inviting nature into daily life in subtle and meaningful ways. This includes:
• Visual and physical connection to greenery, with every room engaging either views of the olive groves or direct access to outdoor terraces.
• A natural material palette, grounded in stone, plaster, terracotta and restored oak beams, taken from the historic Tuscan vernacular
• Soft transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, supported by the existing portico which becomes a shaded place for dining, reading or preparing food grown on-site.
These elements anchor the home in its environment and create a sensory experience that is both restorative and grounding.
spaces for connection and ritual
The proposed layout reimagines the building as a place for communal living and quiet retreat. The ground floor will open into a light-filled kitchen and dining area, created by transforming the existing storage rooms and connecting them directly to the outdoor terrace . This space becomes the social heart of the home, designed for cooking, conversation and shared rituals that define rural life.
Above, the living area and bedrooms are arranged to maximise comfort and calm. The master suite in the upper levels will frame sunset views across the estate, while guestrooms remain connected through a warm palette and a balance of tradition and contemporary detailing.
restoring a historic building for contemporary life
The refurbishment retains the authenticity of the house while making it relevant for modern living. Exposed stone walls, Tuscan stucco, timber beams and handmade terracotta floors ground the interior in local identity, while clean contemporary elements, such as the staircase and refined openings, bring clarity and simplicity to the architectural language.
The result is a home that honours its past while welcoming new ways of living.
sustainable homes + long term wellbeing
Sustainability is integral to the project.
The Palazzina concept prioritises energy efficiency, material longevity and regenerative principles, including:
• Underfloor heating, heat pumps and potential integration of solar panels on the upper roof surfaces
• Water efficiency through rainwater collection and external water reuse
• Use of local materials with low embodied carbon
• Preservation of the existing structure rather than demolition
• Enhancing biodiversity through herb gardens, stepped planting and native species
These interventions minimise environmental impact and support longer term physical and emotional wellbeing by creating a home that feels healthy, balanced and connected to ecological cycles.
reflection
At Palazzina, architecture becomes a medium for wellbeing.
Every room, material and detail is designed to support a sense of calm and belonging. The house opens itself to nature, embraces ritual and reaffirms the idea that buildings shape how we feel.
The project is an exploration of what it means to create sustainable homes that restore and reconnect, where design becomes a quiet partner in daily life and a celebration of place, memory and landscape.