The renovation of the old Teahouse Building was intended as a restoration of decoration, materials and finishing, with a special attention to both aesthetic and environmental qualities of the living conditions for the future users. We believe that the many layers of time added a romantic and specific charm to the Tea-House, enriching its history with traces of different users and tenants. This very special feeling is the one we would like to preserve after the regenerative intervention. The overall design approach aims to reinforce and adapt the old structure of the house to a contemporary use, without compromising its historic character. The intervention is not meant to recreate the past, but rather save what we have inherited, enjoying it safely and in the aim of conveying the flavor of traditional constructions into new forms of living. From the perspective of the architectural language, the old parts of the house will be restored according to the original layout, while the new interventions will be recognizable by the use of new materials or colors. Careful attention will be dedicated to the use of new materials, which will be limited only where strictly necessary, in order to fully respond to the principle of reversibility. More specifically, the new interventions will only be used to guarantee the required safety and contemporary usability, while a more conservative approach will be applied for any other aesthetic matter or aspect related to the feeling of the space. An example for safety: reinforcement of the staircase handrail is needed; an example for usability: new glass windows, water drainage, new toilette or sink.
