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An 18th century house in Tuscany, Ca’ Norina was renovated and redesigned with modern and minimalist interiors.
Located in the picturesque village of Montalbano, in Tuscany, Italy, Ca’ Norina dates back to the 18th century. The client commissioned Milan-based architecture studio SOLUM to renovate the building and redesign it to meet modern living standards. The property comprises the original 18th century stone house, a post-war annex, and a garden. Following the client’s brief, the architects focused on creating a second home rather than simply a vacation house.
To create a closer connection to the garden, the studio excavated a part of the ground floor. Apart from fostering a better relationship between the volume, the outdoor space, and the rocky slope, this decision also allowed the team to create two separate entrances, on different levels. The more private ground floor contains the bedrooms, while the upper level houses the main living areas. To create an open-plan space, the architects installed a metal beam structure as well as a massive central pillar. As a result, the kitchen and dining area along with the living room open towards the rustic setting, with the windows framing views of the village, valleys and ravines.
SOLUM used dark Okoume wood for partitions, some floors, and the new staircase. The kitchen features a custom design that blends steel and local stone – a mix that defines the style of Ca’ Norina. Sleek, contemporary additions, antique items and rustic elements create a harmonious balance in a décor that is both modern and minimalist. Photography© Nicolò Panzeri.
