VVE460 demonstrates how adaptive reuse can extend the life of an existing interior through careful conversion rather than replacement. The project by Galati Casmiro Giorno reinterprets an early twentieth-century Liberty-style apartment in Catania as a hospitality space, using targeted interventions to improve functionality, spatial clarity, and guest comfort while maintaining a connection to the interior’s architectural heritage. Rather than erasing traces of the past, the design treats existing materials and cultural references as active components of the renewed guest accommodation.

Adaptive reuse and material retention

A central sustainability strategy is the retention and restoration of existing building components wherever possible. The project preserves the character of the original residence while reducing the environmental impact associated with demolition and reconstruction. Particularly significant is the restoration of the original Sicilian cement tiles, which become a key organising element within the redesigned interior. By retaining these historic surfaces, the project conserves embodied carbon while preserving an important layer of the residence’s material history. The restored flooring also informs the project’s contemporary colour palette, creating continuity between existing fabric and new interventions.

Reorganising space for hospitality use

The renovation focuses on improving the functionality of the existing footprint rather than expanding it. New spatial relationships are introduced through careful planning and selective architectural insertions that support contemporary patterns of occupation while respecting the structure’s original character. A distinctive red architectural volume is positioned at the entrance and functions as a focal element that defines the reception and kitchen areas. Beyond its visual role, this intervention helps organise circulation and clarify the internal layout without requiring extensive structural modification. This strategy allows the guest accommodation to support contemporary patterns of use while maintaining a compact and efficient use of space.

Heritage continuity and long-term resilience

The project’s restrained material approach supports durability and longevity. Existing elements are preserved where possible, while new additions are clearly identifiable yet complementary. This balance allows the accommodation to evolve without losing its identity, reducing the need for future intervention and supporting long-term adaptability.