'Umamma' by owner and designer Giovanni Settesoldi in collaboration with architect Gabriele Evangelisti is a segment of a 16th century building transformed into an industrial chic boutique vacation retreat in Tuscan countryside. 'Umamma' is a Tuscan expression of amazement, typically uttered when something unexpected and dramatic happens. Settesoldi re-imagined the apartment's living spaces to integrate literally and figuratively with the surrounding landscape, as well as creating a strikingly contemporary feel which is simultaneously infused with the raw beauty of natural materials and the aura of the original building. The atmosphere of the interior is cosy yet robust, capturing the power of structural advancement.
At first glance the project brief appears simple- renovate and redecorate a 230 sqm space in an historically and architecturally valuable 16th century building in a hilly area of the Via Francigena between Pisa and Florence. The project took on a much more complex turn after Settesoldi reflected on the site history and how he might weave it into a contemporary expression. He wanted to create something unique, and purchased a cellar/basement space underneath the apartment with a view of uniting the two programs. The basement was originally used as an animal stable and progressively adapted for food storage and later, as part of a brothel. Settesoldi wanted to reconcile the traditional uses with a thoroughly modern intervention, so he worked with the architect and engineer to transform the cellar into a hypogeum pool that recalls the tradition of Roman thermal baths.
The project was conceived as one of rediscovery, restoration, and consolidation of the original structure which strives to balance disparate approaches to historical renovations. When dealing with modernizing an ancient structure through a functional conversion, the designer has to make trade-offs between what to preserve and what to replace.
Settesoldi wanted the original character of the space to permeate the new iteration, which paradoxically meant that all nineteenth and twentieth century elements were demolished in service of uncovering and restoring the authentic original structures and artifacts (such as arches, vaults, and thick 16th century sack-masonry walls). In addition to uncovering antique structural elements, Settesoldi made additional structural interventions to open up the interiors to light and air, dramatically transforming the way in which the interior spaces relate to the surrounding landscape and creating a multi-sensory experience for residents. The breathability of original building elements such as terracotta, tuff, lime, and sandstone integrates with olive scented breezes from nearby groves. By lighting and ventilating the interior, a sense of discovery and possibility opens up, and the staid model of creating a linear temporal dialogue between old and new is abandoned in favour of a fresh and contemporary iteration that eschews the sterility of conservation for its own sake and instead expresses a system capable of offering infinite uses and interpretations of space.
Settesoldi also wanted to highlight the resilience of traditional materials and building techniques. As a prerequisite guiding principle, he insisted that only natural materials and traditional practices would be used, partnering with local masons to realize the ambitious restoration. Bearing walls of Renaissance origin sack-masonry ranged from 1 to 1.5m thick, and were filled with a layer of tuff that had never seen the light of day. The handling of such materials could only meaningfully be managed by traditional masons trained with multi-generational and regional wisdom. Settesoldi credits the artistry and precision of the restoration to the craftsmanship and love of country conferred on the project by the neighbourhood masons. Where walls had to be reinforced or restored, traditional and locally-based materials and methods were used, and removed bricks were reused elsewhere on the site. Sandstone slabs uncovered in the demolition process were restored, and brickwork was interwoven with granite insets and lintels.
The new iteration of the space takes the form of a panoramic two-storey loft with a secret underground pool. The total volume of the living area has been reconceptualized as an open, multifunctional space transcending the residential destination and rebuffing notions of subdivision. The entry level comprises two large and interconnected open plan spaces with panoramic views of the countryside. The first space sees an open plan hybrid kitchen/dining/lounge area connected to a bedroom and studio space via an ancient doorway through 1 meter thick masonry. The other space comprises a master bedroom with king-size bed, master bath, dressing room and storage space, and a seating/lounge area. Wall to wall and floor to ceiling glazing serves to connect this area to the apartment's loggia (covered terrace) which features breathtaking 180° views of surrounding hills and orchards. During temperate weather, windows can be completely opened to the outdoors, connecting the loft with the landscape.
n contrast to the open plan entry level, the lower floor is deliberately obfuscated to create a sense of secrecy, discovery and surprise. A hidden stairway between the two upper wings leads to a concealed and tantalising spa area. The stable-cum-pantry-cum-brothel has been transformed into a private wellness retreat evocative of traditional baths. The program incorporates a thermal swimming pool and a rain-shower room with custom temperature and lighting controls situated under vaulted ancient masonry ceilings. A whirlpool and underwater seating at different heights is built into one end of the award winning pool. Locating the spa underground not only offers privacy for guests but also a sense of seclusion and escape.
The spa is only accessible via a cleverly designed trap-doorway embedded within the upper master bedroom floor, which not only integrates a custom-made mechanical system seamlessly with traditional brick and mortar masonry, but also serves as a playful kinetic throwback. The trap-door is opened via a hand-powered crank fashioned from an old prosciutto slicer, delighting children and parents alike as they discover its mechanisms opening up to the magical underground space.
The location makes the house an ideal vacation home, and it is listed on AirBnB. It is located in a Renaissance building on one of the main historical squares in the rustic medieval town of San Miniato, between Florence and Pisa. San Miniato is famous for its white truffles, and there are a plethora of restaurants and osterie within walking distance. Nearby, scenic walking, hiking, and biking are popular along the Via Francigena to local vineyards and olive groves.
Settesoldi's restoration has brought ancient structures and manufacts back to life and given them new and unexpected meanings and functions. By rediscovering and showcasing the building's original form and materials and removing the façade, the previously windowless and stuffy interior has been opened to the light and air of the Italian countryside. The large window wall spanning the two main entry level spaces dissolves indoor and outdoor boundaries, and the structure's traditional model of living space has been further reinterpreted via deliberately spartan interior decoration. Industrial chic fittings and furnishings balance guest comfort with the energy of the space's storied history. A dynamic contrast between the complete opening of upper spaces and the mysterious, discovery-focused experience of the cellar space below threads antiquity and modernity into an organic, functional, and truly unique boutique residence concept.
