Casa Sanlorenzo in Venice: Preserving Memory Through Contemporary Architecture

Casa Sanlorenzo is located in Venice within a late 1940s building whose original framework was intentionally preserved, even though structural interventions were required due to years of neglect. Positioned next to the Basilica della Salute—a presence that strongly influenced the design—the property is notable for its unusually large garden, a rare feature in Venice.

The building serves a dual purpose, accommodating two interconnected worlds: an exhibition space for artworks and a private residence. The apartment can also open to the public when required, functioning as an extension of the gallery.

Spanning over 500 square meters, the interior was stripped back to its essentials and reimagined as a museum: a flexible, white volume designed to adapt according to curatorial needs. Windows frame views of both the Basilica dei Frari and the garden, establishing a constant dialogue with its surroundings, while one side of the property borders a small canal.

The exterior was carefully restored, revealing the rhythm of its brickwork and redefined with large steel-and-glass windows. This contemporary gesture recalls Carlo Scarpa’s celebrated work for the Querini Stampalia Foundation, paying homage without imitation.

Inside, the museum is defined by cement-resin flooring and Portoro stone, chosen as neutral yet expressive surfaces capable of hosting art, architecture, design, and cultural events. Wherever possible, existing elements were preserved without forcing unnecessary reconstructions. For example, the original staircase connecting the ground and first floors could not be saved; instead, a new glass staircase with steel joints was designed. Suspended in space, light and transparent, it mirrors the form of the previous stair yet introduces a strikingly modern, technological character.

The garden is organized around water features, concrete basins, and green platforms that shape the outdoor experience. A new private bridge was also constructed to access the house. Purpose-built and technologically advanced, the arched metal structure is clad with Istrian stone steps arranged along its curve.

Traditional Venetian paving stones, treated to prevent slipping in wet conditions, combine with a wooden handrail to create a contemporary reinterpretation of a classic Venetian element.

Photography: Federico Cedrone