In the centre of Aversa in Campania, this three-storey house has undergone a major restoration, while remaining faithful to the history and identity of the site. Like many historic buildings, it had high ceilings and thick walls. These are elements which, when properly enhanced, offer a wealth of original features such as arches and vaults, creating a perfect setting for a scenography that is further set off by carefully selected designer furniture. A Gold Moon chandelier by Catellani&Smith hangs over Egeo, a faceted glass table by Jacopo Foggini surrounded by Blue Velvet armchairs by the Campana brothers, alongside the Getsuen armchair by Masanori Umeda, all three by Edra. In the living room, On The Rocks by Francesco Bifaré for Edra is illuminated by the Ettorino Big floor lamp by Catellani&Smith.
The work undertaken to restore the building to its original architecture also managed to give it a distinctly contemporary feel. For the owners, design experts in their own right, architect Antonio Zagaria remodelled the existing structures and created vast, open, light-filled spaces that contribute to a feeling of freedom. The ground floor boasts a patio framed by large bay windows that give rise to a sense of harmony by establishing visual and spatial continuity between the outdoors and the living room, dining room and kitchen. In the kitchen, functionality and design go hand in hand with meticulous attention to detail. Laid out in such a way as to guarantee both sufficient workspace and fluid circulation, the kitchen is furnished by Boffi. Chosen in dark shades for a sophisticated, welcoming environment, it is combined with precious materials such as the black marble of the worktop. The floor is decorated with Vanity kerlite tiles by Cotto d’Este, which draw their inspiration from the marble, and the natural light is complemented, where necessary, by consummately sourced fixtures.
The creative use of materials and pieces of furniture chosen for their quality and stylistic consistency are at the heart of Antonio Zagaria’s work, creating elegant environments in tune with the needs of the inhabitants. The warm minimalism of the office is enhanced by the graceful aesthetics of the Cavour desk by Zanotta, which marries wood and glass with a Jenette chair by the Campana brothers for Edra, arranged alongside shelves designed by the architect. Oiled afrormosia parquet flooring by CP Parquet offers warmth and serenity to a space enlarged by a floor-to-ceiling mirror, framed like a door. Comfortable Le Bambole armchairs by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia surround a coffee table by Fontana Arte in front of the Piroscafo bookcase by Aldo Rossi and Luca Meda for Molteni. Set like a jewel, the Stchu-Moon 01 floor lamp by Catellani&Smith provides the perfect final touch.
Spread over three levels, the home is divided up essentially into a ground floor featuring a living room endowed with all the delights of a patio and the central ficus benjaminus with its century-old roots, lit by a Fil de Fer floor lamp by Catellani&Smith. The first floor is home to the master bedroom and a large 70 m2 terrace, while the second houses the children’s bedrooms and a solarium. The entire building is bathed by natural light, reflected by the white walls that highlight Bruno Donzelli’s artwork and Francesco d’Alessandro’s black-and-white photos. In this privileged environment, every element has played a key role in defining its exclusive character. This chic distinction becomes even more evocative at night with the sculptural lamps designed by Catellani&Smith. Antonio Zagaria sums it up neatly “For me, a well-designed home reflects the life and dreams of its inhabitants, while offering tailor-made solutions that perfectly meet their needs.”
