18th-century Italian villa transformed into modern office complex

An 18th-century Italian villa, Villa Donà, located near Vicenza in the Veneto region, has been transformed into a modern workspace complex following an extensive renovation. The project, undertaken by the Italian architectural firm RigonSimonetti, revitalized the historic estate to include offices, a cafe, and lodging facilities.

The architectural intervention, aptly named "Vis-à-vis," sought to establish a dialogue between the villa's historical layers and the contemporary elements introduced during the revitalization. Architects described the result as a palimpsest, showcasing the building's evolution through different eras. The complex spans over 8,800 square meters and comprises the main villa building and a 'barchessa,' a long service wing characterized by monumental arcaded colonnades that historically housed utility spaces.

A key aspect of the renovation involved introducing a new space within the barchessa, enclosed by a structure of glass and wood. This area accommodates a loggia designed for multifunctional events. The primary construction materials for this new addition are light concrete and dark iron. Additionally, the historic barchessa features slender iron elements that support the weight of the weathered stone colonnade, which is topped with neoclassical sculptures, thereby preventing the ancient structure from collapsing.

The revitalized Villa Donà now serves as a hub for professionals. A cafe is situated on the ground floor of the barchessa, while the upper floor, once occupied by the estate manager, has been converted into coworking spaces and offices, complete with minimalist changing rooms and bathrooms. The main villa building has also been restored to its residential function, offering guest rooms on its upper level. The architects ensured that the new concrete and metal structures interact with the original wood and stone elements without artificially imitating them, respecting the villa's rich history.