In Ticciano, near Pisa, and the restyling of the Lake Orta Relais Villa Crespi, the Turin-based studio “lamatilde” has designed the new LAQUA Vineyard located in the small town of Casanova, between Pisa and Volterra.

Theater is the core concept that brings the project to life with careful renovation work in search of the ideal dialogue between ancient and contemporary.

Within the same building as the restaurant, there are also 6 suites – each one unique yet sharing the same pure lines and cozy and welcoming mood.

The design approach is based on constant interplay between contemporary elements and tradition.

The walls were lined up by installing custom furniture and faux walls, balancing the visual impact of the spatial layout.

The faux walls cover only part of the walls, vertically, leaving the original restored texture visible in the upper section.

The design of the different surfaces reflects an approach meant to create dialogue between the language of contemporary expression and a strictly artisanal character, which form a powerful synthesis.

The handmade exposed bricks – made in Etruscan black and velvet pink cotto – were layered following a stack bond, instead of the traditional stagger.

The same approach was extended to the ceilings in the project. Both the regular arches and striking, classic personality of the restored lofts were harmonized by adding paneling with soft and fluid shapes and delicate relationship with the traditional ceilings.

For the ceiling panels, lamatilde chose golden hues that are able to reflect and diffuse the external light, giving the Restaurant a warmer and more striking atmosphere.

Indeed, the original space was rather dark because the building used to be a theater. For this reason, the studio came up with different elements to make the halls brighter. For example, the stage curtain-style draperies allow for different solutions to divide the space and for further flexibility in adjusting the light and the mood of the interior “scene”.

In addition, the only pre-existing window that offers a view of the spectacular vineyards and countryside outside is highlighted, creating a corridor with an accelerated perspective that amplifies visual convergence towards the exterior, adding depth to the space.

All the interiors clearly recall the theater’s environment. The two counters at the opposite ends of the main hall resemble two stages – one dedicated to culinary arts and one to wine: two visual focuses that provide clients and guests with their first bearings in this “scenic” space.