The previous owner had tried to transform a commercial warehouse into a flat, carrying out a ‘cosmetic’ operation without intervening on the structural and functional elements of the space. Located on the ground floor in the historic centre of Venice, directly bordering on a canal, the apartment was vulnerable to the problems arising from high tides.

A complete restoration was undertaken, eliminating all the superstructures, systems and finishes that had accumulated over the decades. Once the original structure was brought to light – with its wooden floors, metal reinforcements, masonry and Istrian stone niches, and hidden openings – it was decided to restore it and highlight it. To improve the quality of the living spaces without the use of additional fixed elements, the room divisions were made exclusively with custom-designed furniture. The furniture was also used to house electrical and plumbing systems as well as the electrical appliances. Bringing the living area back into the central hall with the two large doors leading onto the canal (previously they had been partially closed to make room for the toilets ...) has increased the apartment’s light and space that now seems to extend over the calm water of the Rio de la Toletta.