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The 10 Projects to Discover Today – December Feature

Atelier(s) Alfonso Femia

Ersel Bank headquarters, Milan, Italy <br />Image copyright: ©Stefano Anzini
Ersel Bank headquarters, Milan, Italy
Image copyright: ©Stefano Anzini

The new Ersel Bank headquarters in Milan, crafted by Atelier(s) Alfonso Femia, breathes contemporary life into a historic 1928 building, blending heritage with modern sophistication. The design pays homage to Agnoldomenico Pica’s geometric elegance while introducing fresh, functional elements. A central courtyard has been reimagined as a lush green space, infusing the structure with light and vitality. Inside, fluid layouts and refined materials create a sense of openness and connection, anchored by a strikingly redesigned hall that invites pause and interaction. Discreet rooftop additions and careful restorations harmonize past and present, embodying Milan’s evolving architectural identity with grace and precision.

Gio Latis Studio

Tonnara di Scopello, Trapani, Italy <br />Image copyright: @Gio Latis STUDIO
Tonnara di Scopello, Trapani, Italy
Image copyright: @Gio Latis STUDIO

The renovation of the Tonnara di Scopello by Gio Latis STUDIO gracefully balances timeless charm with elevated hospitality. Nestled within a breathtaking natural setting, the project celebrates the site’s deep cultural and historical significance. Fifteen dwellings, the Salone dei Quattro Venti, and outdoor spaces have been thoughtfully refreshed with a site-specific approach that enhances their unique character. Interiors combine historic and contemporary elements, featuring restored antique furnishings, custom pieces, soft lighting, and a palette of delicate, natural tones that respect original materials like lime plaster and wooden ceilings. The Salone dei Quattro Venti, open to sea breezes, and a new café welcome guests into an atmosphere of understated sophistication. Every detail fosters harmony with the surrounding landscape, creating a serene and authentic experience that feels deeply connected to place and history.

Parts and Labor Design

Lupetto restaurant, New York, USA <br />Image copyright: @William Laird
Lupetto restaurant, New York, USA
Image copyright: @William Laird

Situated in the historic Townsend Building in New York’s Flatiron District, Lupetto restaurant combines timeless elegance with contemporary flair. Designed by Parts and Labor Design, the project captures the essence of an Italian fable, blending the natural tranquility of a forest with the vibrancy of the city. Fluted walnut panels, forest-green walls, and custom parquet flooring evoke Madison Square Park’s organic beauty, while vast windows and sheer linen curtains flood the space with natural light. Rosa Alicante marble accents and sculptural lighting, from vintage-inspired milk glass pendants to brass fixtures, add a refined warmth. Preserved original details, like high ceilings and intricate crown moldings, harmonize with playful modern touches, such as a bright orange banquette. Anchored by a wood-fired pizza oven, Lupetto’s open layout invites connection, celebrating Italian traditions of communal dining and culinary artistry.

Stroop Design Studio

Lake Union Houseboat, Seattle, USA <br />Image copyright: @Stroop Design Studio
Lake Union Houseboat, Seattle, USA
Image copyright: @Stroop Design Studio

Set on the tranquil waters of Lake Union in Seattle, Stroop Design Studio’s Lake Union Houseboat redefines modern lakefront living with understated elegance. Built on an existing pontoon, the two-bedroom retreat optimizes its compact footprint through clever spatial planning. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the interiors with natural light and showcase sweeping water views, while warm lighting and natural materials create a cozy, inviting ambiance. Thoughtfully designed to harmonize with its surroundings, the houseboat offers seamless indoor-outdoor transitions, blending urban convenience with the serenity of lakeside living. A perfect balance of contemporary design and serene refuge.

Studio Marco Piva

San Siro Urban Re-Generation and Syre Residential Complex, Milan, Italy <br />Image copyright: @Tecma Solutions
San Siro Urban Re-Generation and Syre Residential Complex, Milan, Italy
Image copyright: @Tecma Solutions

The San Siro Urban Re-Generation and Syre Residential Complex by Studio Marco Piva transforms a neglected urban void into a vibrant, sustainable community. Anchored in Milan’s historic San Siro district, the project reimagines its "garden city" legacy by integrating contemporary architecture, lush landscaping, and eco-conscious solutions. The design features three residential structures: two for private housing, including the striking 22-story Syre tower, and one for social housing, all united by flowing architectural forms and cohesive materials. Expansive terraces, balconies, and green spaces foster indoor-outdoor living, while a central park enhances biodiversity and urban cooling. Advanced technologies, renewable energy systems, and sustainable construction ensure energy efficiency and environmental harmony. By blending modern design with cultural heritage, this project redefines urban living, balancing innovation with community well-being and ecological responsibility.

Tina Ramchandani

Pied-à-terre in Lenox Hill, Manhattan, USA <br />Image copyright: @Jacob Snavely
Pied-à-terre in Lenox Hill, Manhattan, USA
Image copyright: @Jacob Snavely

Interior designer Tina Ramchandani transformed a Lenox Hill pied-à-terre into a warm and vibrant retreat inspired by the clients' cherished Italian travels. Departing from typical city home palettes, she embraced sunlit yellows, soft neutrals, and rich, colorful artwork to craft an inviting, uplifting atmosphere. Thoughtfully selected furnishings and accessories enhance the space's welcoming elegance, creating a balance of sophistication and relaxation. The collaboration between designer and clients blended creative freedom with personal touches, culminating in a design that feels both distinctive and deeply personal. The result is a stylish yet serene sanctuary, perfectly suited to its Manhattan setting while evoking the spirit of Italian charm.

TWS & Partners

Park Royal Langkawi Resort, Langkawi Island, Malaysia <br />Image copyright: @TWS & Partners
Park Royal Langkawi Resort, Langkawi Island, Malaysia
Image copyright: @TWS & Partners

The Park Royal Langkawi Resort, designed by the award-winning Jakarta-based TWS & Partners, is a seamless blend of design and nature located on Chenang Beach, Langkawi Island, Malaysia. Inspired by the island’s namesake, “Langkawi” meaning “eagle”, the architecture echoes a bird in flight through dynamic, curved facades that double as functional sunshades. Elevated in a striking “U”-shaped structure, the resort fosters natural airflow and a comfortable microclimate. At its heart lies The Lagoon, a serene water courtyard that cools the interiors naturally. The design features layered spaces, including a ground-level lounge, swimming pool, rooftop infinity pool, and a “Green Mountain” with leisure zones. Each element maximizes ocean views, creating a harmonious and immersive experience that celebrates the surrounding landscape.

Architecture BRIO

Plantation Retreat, Mumbai, India <br />Image copyright: @Ashish Sahi
Plantation Retreat, Mumbai, India
Image copyright: @Ashish Sahi

The Plantation Retreat project by Architecture BRIO is a striking blend of sustainability, innovation, and timeless design, set on a hillside overlooking the sea near Mumbai. Inspired by Goa’s white chapels, its form integrates seamlessly with the landscape, enhancing the natural surroundings while addressing the evolving architectural context. The retreat features two linear pavilions made of ivory-hued Dhrangadhra limestone, positioned to capture panoramic ocean views. Deeply recessed windows, framed in steel and shaded by wooden shutters, balance elegance with functionality. A green terrace atop a hook-shaped base integrates vegetation, while semi-open courtyards create sheltered, intimate spaces. Sinuous infinity pools and cascading platforms echo the sea’s undulating forms, harmonizing architecture and nature in a cohesive, immersive experience.

ovre.design

Lacasacontinua, Miami, USA <br />Image copyright: @ovre.design®
Lacasacontinua, Miami, USA
Image copyright: @ovre.design®

Lacasacontinua by ovre.design is an innovative showroom concept that seamlessly blends Italian craftsmanship with Miami’s vibrant design culture. Located in the heart of the Design District, this 300-square-meter space redefines luxury and functionality, offering an immersive experience in high-end design. The interiors, tailored with meticulous detail, feature prestigious materials like Florim stoneware, Imera marble, and Inkiostro Bianco wallpaper. The open-plan layout organizes distinct zones for stoneware, marble displays, and walk-in closets, all unified by harmonious and elegant compositions. A standout feature is the wavy stoneware centerpiece, inspired by Miami’s sea, alongside a backlit Patagonia marble bar. Designed as a welcoming space for bespoke luxury projects, Lacasacontinua is a dialogue between Italian artistry, contemporary innovation, and the vibrant spirit of its Miami setting.

D4L Cestele Architetti

Chalet al Foss, Vermiglio (TN), Italy <br />Image copyright: @Daniele Paternoster
Chalet al Foss, Vermiglio (TN), Italy
Image copyright: @Daniele Paternoster

Chalet al Foss, reimagined by Alessandro Cestele of D4L Cestele Architetti, transforms the idea of a luxury hotel into an immersive design and sensory journey. Set in the enchanting Val di Sole, surrounded by the Trentino Alps, the resort is a tribute to local heritage and the elemental forces – Air, Earth, Fire, and Water – woven with a fifth essence that evokes vitality and connection. The redesign breathes new life into the hotel’s communal spaces, centering on a vibrant bar counter and cozy fireplace that invite warmth and conviviality. Thoughtfully arranged seating and custom tables foster relaxation and indulgence, while the interplay of refined materials and theatrical lighting creates a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere. Chalet al Foss redefines Alpine hospitality, setting a new standard for elegance and harmony in mountain retreats.

 

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