Project overview
Torre del Gallo is a heritage stone structure located in the hills of Arcetri, Florence, overlooking the Tuscan landscape. The project focuses on the adaptive reuse of the historic building, preserving the existing stone masonry exterior while transforming the interior into two independent residential apartments. A key design strategy was the creation of two interlayered apartments within the same volume, where the spaces intertwine vertically through a three-dimensional spatial arrangement. Although both apartments contain the same functional program, their layouts differ due to the layered organization of floors and circulation within the existing structure.
Specifications
Total Built Area | Approx. 1,100 sqm |
Date | 2017 |
Status of the project | Conceptual Proposal |
Tools used | Revit (BIM), AutoCAD, 3ds Max, Adobe Photoshop |
Details
The project preserves the historic Tuscan stone masonry façade, maintaining the architectural identity of the tower while transforming the interior spaces. Inside, the design introduces a minimal rustic interior language that highlights the raw qualities of the existing structure while bringing contemporary spatial clarity.
The two apartments are organized through an interlayered three-dimensional configuration, where each dwelling occupies alternating levels within the tower. Instead of identical stacked floors, the apartments shift vertically, allowing living spaces, bedrooms, and circulation paths to weave through the volume while maintaining the same functional program.
The interior material palette reinforces the building’s natural character through travertine stone flooring, solid oak ceilings, natural wood cabinetry, and black steel stair elements. Exposed historic stone walls remain a defining feature, complemented by lime plaster finishes and soft lighting that enhances the texture of the masonry. In the kitchen areas, travertine countertops and refined wood joinery complete the warm and restrained Tuscan interior atmosphere.
Scope of Work
The scope of the project focused on the spatial planning and adaptive reuse strategy of the existing structure. The work included developing the zoning of the two apartments, designing the vertical circulation system, and defining how the apartments could coexist within the same historic volume through an interlayered spatial organization.
The project also included the development of preliminary interior design concepts, establishing the architectural mood, material palette, and spatial atmosphere for the future residential spaces. This phase focused on communicating the design vision through spatial diagrams, interior visualizations, and conceptual layouts that illustrate the relationship between circulation, program distribution, and the preserved historic structure.
