Art Retreat
Mezzo Atelier was tasked with crafting a project that seamlessly intertwines hospitality with art and nature, fostering a symbiotic and intimate connection.
The property, steeped in pastoral culture, gently slopes westward and offers unparalleled privacy. From its elevated position, guests are treated to sweeping views that stretch to the iconic windmills dotting the valleys to the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. At the heart of the hospitality retreat is a central facility for welcoming guests and providing essential services to the six tourist accommodation units. The architecture is designed to seamlessly integrate into the natural landscape, fostering a sense of harmony with the surrounding environment and neighboring residences.
The main building, strategically set back from the public road, features a dynamic facade that combines horizontal stone walls with lightweight wooden volumes and independent pitched roofs, reminiscent of local vernacular architecture. This design creates a visual barrier to the private areas of the estate while welcoming visitors to explore its inviting spaces. On the ground floor, guests step into a spacious hall with a reception area and back office. Adjacent to this, a cafeteria/restaurant opens onto a courtyard for outdoor dining, while an art gallery provides a cultural focal point. To the west, staff and service areas ensure seamless operations. The first floor houses a flexible workspace for resident artists, doubling as a community coworking space and venue for cultural workshops. Additionally, a dedicated space offers holistic activities such as yoga and massages, promoting wellness and relaxation.
Adjacent to the main building, agricultural greenhouses for self-sustained production, occupy the lower levels, while accommodation units are strategically scattered across the plot, maximizing sea views and natural light. Clad entirely in wood, these units feature set-back entrances opening onto internal patios, enhancing privacy and providing a unique architectural feature. Moreover, sustainable design principles are seamlessly integrated, with hidden gutters for rainwater collection and zinc roofing ensuring durability and minimalist aesthetics. Locally sourced materials, including wood and raw basalt stone, further underscore our commitment to achieve a more ecological construction practice.
The project’s cultural program, centered on local arts and crafts, aims to foster artistic expression and cultural exchange through residencies, exhibitions, workshops, and presentations. By creating an incubator for artistic production and cultural activation, we seek to enrich local art networks and forge international connections.
Project: Touristic units and Services
Typology: Hospitality
Year: 2021 / present
Location: Ginetes, S. Miguel Island
Surface: 1045 m2
Team: Joana de Oliveira, Giacomo Mezzadri, Sabrina Sinelli, Tonny Marques
Art Retreat
Mezzo Atelier was tasked with crafting a project that seamlessly intertwines hospitality with art and nature, fostering a symbiotic and intimate connection.
The property, steeped in pastoral culture, gently slopes westward and offers unparalleled privacy. From its elevated position, guests are treated to sweeping views that stretch to the iconic windmills dotting the valleys to the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. At the heart of the hospitality retreat is a central facility for welcoming guests and providing essential services to the six tourist accommodation units. The architecture is designed to seamlessly integrate into the natural landscape, fostering a sense of harmony with the surrounding environment and neighboring residences.
The main building, strategically set back from the public road, features a dynamic facade that combines horizontal stone walls with lightweight wooden volumes and independent pitched roofs, reminiscent of local vernacular architecture. This design creates a visual barrier to the private areas of the estate while welcoming visitors to explore its inviting spaces. On the ground floor, guests step into a spacious hall with a reception area and back office. Adjacent to this, a cafeteria/restaurant opens onto a courtyard for outdoor dining, while an art gallery provides a cultural focal point. To the west, staff and service areas ensure seamless operations. The first floor houses a flexible workspace for resident artists, doubling as a community coworking space and venue for cultural workshops. Additionally, a dedicated space offers holistic activities such as yoga and massages, promoting wellness and relaxation.
Adjacent to the main building, agricultural greenhouses for self-sustained production, occupy the lower levels, while accommodation units are strategically scattered across the plot, maximizing sea views and natural light. Clad entirely in wood, these units feature set-back entrances opening onto internal patios, enhancing privacy and providing a unique architectural feature. Moreover, sustainable design principles are seamlessly integrated, with hidden gutters for rainwater collection and zinc roofing ensuring durability and minimalist aesthetics. Locally sourced materials, including wood and raw basalt stone, further underscore our commitment to achieve a more ecological construction practice.
The project’s cultural program, centered on local arts and crafts, aims to foster artistic expression and cultural exchange through residencies, exhibitions, workshops, and presentations. By creating an incubator for artistic production and cultural activation, we seek to enrich local art networks and forge international connections.
Project: Touristic units and Services
Typology: Hospitality
Year: 2021 / present
Location: Ginetes, S. Miguel Island
Surface: 1045 m2
Team: Joana de Oliveira, Giacomo Mezzadri, Sabrina Sinelli, Tonny Marques
