The Old Wine Press – Adaptive Reuse and Cultural Revival by a25architetti

A Historic Italian Villa Transformed Into a Cultural Event Space

Located in Montevecchia, Italy, The Old Wine Press by a25architetti is a striking example of adaptive reuse that blends architectural preservation with contemporary functionality. Set within a historic villa built atop the remains of an ancient Roman castrum, the abandoned 150 m² space has been thoughtfully reimagined into a refined multipurpose venue for events, exhibitions, and cultural programs.

This renovation honors the villa’s deep roots in Brianza’s heritage—especially its long tradition of viticulture and grape pressing—while introducing a modern spatial clarity that enhances its atmospheric quality.

Revealing the History Embedded in the Masonry

The architects’ research into the building’s historic layers became a driving force behind the design. Originally an open-air courtyard, the space was gradually enclosed over centuries, forming new volumes that leaned against the villa’s interior structures.

Rather than hiding this evolution, the project celebrates it. Visible plaster remnants, exposed stone walls, original balcony beams, and textural masonry recount the building’s transformations over time. These layers remain intentionally untouched, allowing the architecture to speak for itself and preserving the narrative of changing uses, techniques, and eras.

This approach aligns with a25architetti’s commitment to architectural honesty, foregrounding the authenticity of material traces instead of masking them behind new finishes.

Material Lightness and Contemporary Interventions

The concept of lightness shapes the entire renovation strategy. New elements are introduced with subtlety, ensuring the historical envelope remains the protagonist.

A polished concrete floor defines a new architectural layer. It follows the irregular stone edges of the existing walls, creating a clear yet respectful demarcation between old and new. This contemporary surface acts as a quiet foundation, from which handcrafted copper lighting elements extend delicately, enhancing the room’s warm, immersive atmosphere.

The copper fixtures are intentionally detached from the masonry, reinforcing the distinction between historical texture and modern refinement. Their soft luminance animates the brick arches, wooden beams, and stone columns that give the space its distinctive identity.

Balancing Preservation with Modern Utility

The renovation of The Old Wine Press is both a technical and emotional exercise in balance. By preserving the building’s rough beauty while integrating discreet functional upgrades, the architects maintain the integrity of a space that embodies centuries of Italian craftsmanship.

This design philosophy invites visitors to question contemporary interpretations of comfort and spatial experience. The environment feels both ancient and renewed—a holistic, sensory setting that connects the past to the present through architectural storytelling.

A Cultural Space Rooted in Community

Today, the restored wine press—still owned by a local family—serves as a versatile venue available for events, exhibitions, conferences, and community gatherings. Its adaptive reuse ensures that the space remains active and relevant, transforming a long-neglected interior into a cultural asset that contributes to the villa’s ongoing legacy.

All photographs are works of Marcello Mariana