In the heart of the Salina island in Sicily, architects from the MAB Arquitectura studio adapted a 19th-century lighthouse into six apartments.
The lighthouse is located on the island of Salina
Photo by Alberto Moncada, Benedetto Tarantino
The second life of a 19th-century lighthouse
Right next to the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, in the long-abandoned space that was once the lighthouse, architects created the apartments. The project was designed not only to restore this unique place, but also to reclaim and transform some of the local cultural heritage. Designers decided to leave the authentic materials. The renovation, based on a philological approach, connected the former lighthouse with its surroundings. Project was recognized by the judges of the In/Arch Awards 2023, who awarded the Italian studio a special honor in the Reuse/Restoration category.
The architects preserved the original interior elements
Photo by Alberto Moncada, Benedetto Tarantino
Island style
The apartments are located in the main lighthouse building. The interiors have been decorated according to the philosophy of less is more. The arrangements are elegant but not overly luxurious. The architects have retained the original, intriguing elements of the building, such as the cradle vaults and the winding staircase leading to the top of the lighthouse. The interiors range from 30 to 50 square meters. Each has a separate entrance and a private garden. The largest apartment is located in the middle of the building. The 80 sqm spans two floors. Windows on both the front and back of the room provide a beautiful panoramic view of the sea, vineyards and gardens.
Each apartment has a separate entrance and a private garden
Photo by Alberto Moncada, Benedetto Tarantino
Drawing from Mediterranean nature
The space is subdued and functional. The architects used local finishing materials, furnishings and textiles. The color palette draws from the surrounding nature. Browns, sandy beiges and whites are enlivened by accents of sea blue. The floors have been covered with micro-cement, while the walls are decorated with white limestone. There are also brick and wooden furniture, limestone sinks and handmade cement tiles.
In the bathroom we can find limestone washbasins
Photo by Alberto Moncada, Benedetto Tarantino
- In an environment that is so impressively natural and imbued with evocative power, we followed the philosophy of „less is more.” We designed every detail of these interiors with great care, but without superfluous additions. We wanted to give all the rooms a minimally elegant feel, so that they would present the ideas of sophistication, discreet luxury and finding beauty in simple things — explains architect Floriana Marotta.
The floors were covered with micro-cement
Photo by Alberto Moncada, Benedetto Tarantino
Cohesive space
The exterior parts were also designed with respect for the architecture, history, landscape and cultural value of the site. First, the vaults got restored. Then the architects tackled the facade, which had been damaged by harsh weather and salt water. Later came the cornices and parapets, as well as the re-plastering of the limestone facade. Architects Floriana Marotta and Massimo Basile created a stone wall and paths lined with local volcanic gravel.
The paths in the garden were lined with local volcanic gravel
Photo by Alberto Moncada, Benedetto Tarantino
A small botanical garden has also been created. It includes macchia, capers, myrtle, lavender, strawberries and olives, as well as prickly pear, rosemary, agave, laurel and other indigenous species from Selina Island. Paths wind among the vegetation, allowing visitors to explore the themed areas. An adjacent building has been transformed into a mini museum with multimedia space and infographics showing the island's history.
The garden features local plants
Photo by Alberto Moncada, Benedetto Tarantino
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Compiled by:KATARZYNA SZOSTAK
