Sextantio Albergo Diffuso // Two destinations with the same concept: “conservative restoration”

The Santo Stefano di Sessanioand The Sassi di Matera are part of the same project of The Sextantio to preserve a local heritage. The term of “traditional architectural heritage” is used to describe a vernacular architecture which developed from the needs of the people rather than a specific architectural influence coming from the main urban centers of power. The materials used in the two projects are poor  and strictly locals. Following simple and logical guidelines as maintain the original use, form and materials of the building, leaving the traces of life, following the old traditions in term of furnishing, The Sextantio renovated these two historic villages that where empty or semi-abandones. This was possible thanks a partnership between private and local government. The interiors of two hotels follow the same concept of minimal but cozy feel. However the project in Matera is different from the one in Santo Stefano. The Sassi of Matera have a unique architecture and the interiors of the Sassi have basic decoration where the furniture has been built into the structure as a continuous form.

THE SASSI OF MATERA PROJECT

Matera apart being famous for the Sassi (caves) has an other peculiarity The Albergo Diffuso. Briefly to whom does not know, Matera is the town of the stone houses, a UNESCO world heritage site, a group of  renowned cave building set against Gravina valley. Matera has been a secure shelter for the communities from the Stone Age to the Bronze Age, in more recent period it was a monastic settlement, in more recent period it was a monastic settlement. the Sassi (caves) is a series of caves excavated into the rocks where people once lived with their animals.

The albergo diffuso project (hotel rooms spread across different buildings) is composed by 18 rooms. There is a common space located in an ancient church building. The rooms are located in the oldest part of the Sassi. The entire complex is situated in cave houses. For this project they have preserved the integrity of original spaces, keeping the signs of previous use, the restoration involved the use of antique architectural materials and original furnishing. So following the concept of “conservative restoration” the result is a stunning hotel spread into different sites. The rooms have a kind of spartan allure and everything is a reference to village life. They use just the original architectural materials, with a minimalist design elements, introduced where absolutely necessary. Old furniture and artifacts sourced in the area mixed with modern technology. The result is simply stunning and a continuous refer back to old traditions. Here you can find more information.

[ pics ᔥ http://www.legrottedellacivita.com/ / wonderful website !! ]

THE  SANTO STEFANO DI SESSANIO

The Sextantio Diffused Hotel is located in the medieval town of Santo Stefano di Sessanio in Abruzzo region. All 28 rooms (about 25m²) are different and locate in different houses in the village giving the guest the feeling of being pat of the village. Each room has a kitchenette, a table and chair, a fireplace. They have been very careful to use only the old local materials.

They even conducted a research with the National Museum of Abruzzo and talked to the residents of Santo Stefano to know how people used to live and which materials they used. However the old is mixed with the new technologies and materials for example the bath in the bathroom is done with white Corian.

These two hotels are perfect destination to whom want and research an unique experience.

[ pics ᔥ http://www.sextantio.it/santo-stefano ]