Located in the historic district of Castello in Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy, the D.H. Lawrence Hotel occupies a 1,500 sqm building embedded within one of the most culturally layered urban contexts of the Mediterranean.
The project forms part of an ongoing process of urban regeneration, where historical structures are reactivated through contemporary use. The intervention, led by New Fari Srl, follows a sustainable design approach that transforms the constraints of heritage architecture—structural complexity, material degradation and limited accessibility—into opportunities for spatial reinterpretation.
The existing building fabric is preserved and rearticulated, allowing key elements such as exposed stone surfaces, vertical proportions and spatial depth to define the architectural identity. The discovery of a paleochristian hypogeum approximately twenty meters below ground level further reinforces the temporal stratification of the structure, introducing an additional layer of historical continuity.
The spatial organization unfolds through a sequence of residences and shared areas, where functions of living, rest and social interaction are integrated within a coherent architectural system. Material selection plays a central role in this composition, emphasizing continuity, texture and structural clarity.
A defining aspect of the project is the dialogue between exposed stone and metal elements. This relationship establishes a balance between mass and precision, permanence and lightness, shaping a restrained yet expressive spatial atmosphere. Within this framework, handcrafted iron beds developed by Volcano Handmade Iron Bedrooms are integrated as part of the overall material language, contributing to the coherence and structural legibility of the interiors.
Rather than functioning as independent objects, these elements operate as extensions of the architectural system, reinforcing the unity between structure, material and use. Shared spaces, including the restaurant, terrace and wellness areas, follow the same design logic, ensuring consistency throughout the project.
The result is an architectural environment where heritage, sustainability and contemporary hospitality converge into a unified spatial narrative rooted in place.Products used in this project
Custom iron beds – Volcano Handmade Iron Bedrooms
