0015 AD Middle-East – Renaissance living, May 2026 (ME)
Published in Architectural Digest Middle East, this feature highlights BUNKER Studio’s restoration and transformation of a Renaissance residence in Florence into a vibrant home for international art collectors. The project celebrates the encounter between historic Italian architecture, contemporary art from Italy and the Middle East, and bespoke design, reflecting the studio’s multidisciplinary approach to contemporary living.
The project carefully preserves the original architectural fabric, restoring frescoed ceilings, monumental woodwork and historic details while introducing a new spatial identity through custom-made furniture, carefully selected materials and a bold yet balanced colour palette. Every intervention was conceived to complement the building’s heritage rather than compete with it.
Designed for passionate art collectors, the apartment functions as both a family residence and a curated environment where Italian and Middle Eastern contemporary artworks shape the atmosphere of each room. Paintings, sculptures and collectible design pieces become integral architectural elements, creating a seamless relationship between everyday life and artistic expression.
Throughout the interiors, bespoke pieces by BUNKER Studio are combined with twentieth-century design icons, vintage furniture and handcrafted objects. Rather than following a single stylistic language, the project embraces contrast, allowing different eras, materials and cultural references to coexist naturally within the same space.
The restoration also focused on improving the functionality of the historic residence. The original layout was reinterpreted to create generous living areas, custom storage solutions and contemporary service spaces while maintaining the proportions and elegance that define the Renaissance architecture. Every detail was designed to support modern living without compromising the identity of the building.
Colour plays a fundamental role throughout the project. Rich timber panelling, brushed stainless steel, natural stone, brass accents and vivid upholstery introduce moments of intensity that contrast with the calm historic envelope, creating interiors that are expressive yet harmonious. This dialogue between heritage and contemporary design becomes the defining character of the home.
Rather than recreating the past, BUNKER Studio’s approach is rooted in reinterpretation. Original architectural elements remain the protagonists, while contemporary interventions establish a new narrative that respects history and simultaneously projects it into the present. The result is an interior that feels timeless rather than nostalgic.
As showcased by Architectural Digest Middle East, the project embodies BUNKER Studio’s philosophy of creating spaces where architecture becomes a cultural experience. Through the integration of restoration, bespoke design, collectible furniture and contemporary art, the residence offers a sophisticated interpretation of modern luxury firmly connected to its historic context.
