DEFERRARI+MODESTI Leaves 700-Year-Old Fresco Exposed in Child's Bedroom
In the Santa Croce area of Florence, architecture firm DEFERRARI+MODESTI opted against a complete restoration of a centuries-old fresco discovered during renovations in a ground-floor apartment. In Casa GZ, a 100-square-meter space, only a single fragment of the fresco is visible in the children's bedroom. Established in 2010 by Javier Deferrari and Lavinia Modesti, the studio focuses on preserving the building's historical essence. The apartment, which overlooks the Borgo Allegri garden, boasts original pietra serena columns. A conservator found several fresco fragments, with one restored for visibility. The living areas extend outward, while the parents' suite is oriented inward. An internal garden provides views of the Santa Croce bell tower, with project completion anticipated in 2026.
Key facts
- DEFERRARI+MODESTI left a 700-year-old fresco fragment exposed in a child's bedroom in Casa GZ.
- The apartment is in the Santa Croce district of Florence, Italy.
- The building is beside the former monastery of San Francesco de' Macci, founded in 1349.
- Original pietra serena columns tie the apartment to the historic complex.
- A conservator uncovered fresco fragments from different periods; one was restored and left visible.
- The living spaces were reorganized to open toward the exterior garden.
- The owner works in the fashion industry and was involved in the kitchen palette.
- The principal bathroom floor is inspired by Florence Cathedral marble inlays.
Entities
Artists
- Javier Deferrari
- Lavinia Modesti
- Fortunato Depero
- Gio Ponti
- Achille Castiglioni
- Michele Stagni
- Duccio Maria Gambi
Institutions
- DEFERRARI+MODESTI
- Parchettificio Toscano
- Emu
- Santa Croce
- San Francesco de' Macci
- Poor Clares
Locations
- Florence
- Italy
- Santa Croce
- Borgo Allegri garden
- Prato
- Tuscany
- Rome