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In Avola, architect Paolo Florio’s progettoVIAMILANO reimagines a rustic structure into a refined Sicilian residence. Blending stone walls, bespoke interiors, and contemporary design, the project creates a dialogue between past and present while honoring traditional character.

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Paolo Florio
Avola
2024
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In Avola, a small town in the province of Syracuse, a former rural structure has been transformed into a refined residence through progettoVIAMILANO, led by architect Paolo Florio. The intervention combines architectural design, interior design, and bespoke detailing, with a respectful approach that preserves the building’s original identity while adapting it to modern living.

The project emphasizes the strengths of the existing structure—its stone walls, volumes, and rustic geometry—once used as a storage facility and stable. Rather than erasing these traces, the design reinterprets them with care, balancing preservation with contemporary functionality. Every element, from material choices to customized interiors, was conceived to meet the needs of new occupants. Bathrooms, for example, were designed to optimize limited space while combining practicality with aesthetics.

A Dialogue Between Past and Present

The residence welcomes visitors through Cortile Ghiaia, an outdoor courtyard connecting to Via Milano. The interior unfolds around a communal court finished with matte corda-colored microcement, visually linking it to neighboring homes.

On the ground floor, the living areas embrace simplicity and elegance. The kitchen, spanning 20 square meters, was designed by ARREDO3 and supplied by Gruppo Inventa. Free of upper cabinets, its streamlined composition highlights everyday practicality. Glossy black ceramic tiles by Ceramica Sant’Agostino form a striking backsplash, contrasting with the neutral palette. A circular glass table by Bizzotto, paired with rattan chairs, anchors the dining space—an intentional nod to Sicilian traditions of gathering and sharing.

The adjacent living room (20 square meters) opens directly to the courtyard. Here, a natural stone wall recalls the rustic origins of the building, while a light-pink fabric sofa introduces a bold chromatic accent. Whitewashed walls, exposed wooden beams painted in matte white, and ceramic floors reminiscent of Modica stone (Impronta–Italgraniti Group) reinforce the atmosphere of simplicity. Discreet LED lighting by Arredoluce enhances the soft interplay of textures.

The ground-floor bathroom stands out for its vibrant identity. Measuring 5 square meters, it features deep green ceramic slabs paired with colorful terrazzo-like finishes—an homage to traditional southern Italian interiors. A freestanding green washbasin with a black metal vanity by Scarabeo Ceramiche adds a contemporary edge.

A Vertical Connection

One of the most distinctive elements of the home is the staircase, located at the entrance. Crafted from pressed sheet metal by local artisans, it has been finished in forest green and framed by corten-effect ceramic panels by Impronta–Italgraniti Group, which emphasize its sharp geometry. The double-height void it occupies reveals the full volume of the residence and visually connects the two levels.

At the top of the staircase, a small landing separates the bedrooms while overlooking the living room below.

The Private Realm

The upper floor hosts the sleeping quarters: two symmetrical bedrooms, each measuring 25 square meters, with en-suite bathrooms that eliminate unnecessary divisions between functions. The design is unified through a careful play of color, alternating between white surfaces and distinctive chromatic accents. Dark oak parquet flooring adds warmth and comfort.

The “Blue Room” is defined by vivid blue ceramic tiles supplied by Impronta–Italgraniti. A mustard-colored upholstered headboard and gold-finished bedside tables complete the palette. The standout feature is a large glass-enclosed shower positioned directly in view of the bed, separated only by a smoky glass partition. An illuminated wardrobe with mirrored doors integrates functionality and elegance.

The “Pink Room” contrasts with lighter tones. Here, blush-pink ceramic tiles frame a double bed with a charcoal headboard. White cylindrical nightstands and gold-finished lamps add sophistication. The en-suite bathroom is divided into two zones: one seamlessly integrated into the bedroom, where a freestanding bathtub and vanity are set behind a rose-tinted glass partition; the other enclosed with a glass door to accommodate the sanitary fixtures. Light wood accents and soft neutral tones heighten the feeling of serenity.

Contemporary Spirit in a Rustic Shell

Overall, the residence spans 90 square meters across two levels. It includes a bright entrance, a modern kitchen and dining area, a living space, three bathrooms, and two generously sized bedrooms. The interiors rely on textures and chromatic contrasts to enhance natural light and spatial perception, while mirrors and glass strategically placed throughout create depth and reflection.

More than just a renovation, progettoVIAMILANO is a manifesto on how to reinterpret rural structures. By embracing simplicity, linearity, and contemporary expression, the project demonstrates how forgotten rustic spaces can evolve into welcoming homes that honor the past while fully engaging with the present.

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Written by
Elif Ayse Sen

Architect, Author, Content Marketing Specialist.

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