Revitalizing a 17th-Century Palazzo: The Bold Purchase of a Passionate Visionary

Dedar Heir Raffaele Fabrizio Embarks on Aspiring Palazzo Renovation

Raffaele Fabrizio, a key figure in the renowned Italian fabric house Dedar, is undertaking a unique and ambitious renovation project. fabrizio, alongside his sister Caterina, has been instrumental in shaping Dedar’s innovative approach to color, pattern, and texture, attracting high-profile clients such as Hermès and film director Luca Guadagnino. now, he’s channeling his creative energy into restoring a dilapidated 17th-century palazzo in Valmorea, Italy.

A Childhood Captivation with Abandoned Grandeur

Fabrizio’s affinity for historical spaces began in his youth. Growing up near Dedar’s headquarters close to lake como, he became captivated by a deserted 17th-century villa. “It’s always that same story,” he says, “but I was fascinated by this forbidden place.” The allure of faded frescoes and the echoes of a bygone era fueled his imagination and later inspired his architectural studies. Fabrizio’s early explorations of abandoned spaces reveal a deep-seated appreciation for history and atmosphere, qualities that now guide his approach to the palazzo’s renovation. This passion for forgotten beauty underscores fabrizio’s design beliefs, emphasizing the emotional resonance of spaces and objects.

His architectural background profoundly influences his approach.unlike a typical restoration focused on pristine replication, Fabrizio envisions a modern layer interweaving with the palazzo’s historical fabric. this approach reflects a growing trend in architectural preservation, where designers seek to integrate contemporary elements with historical structures to create dynamic, living spaces. This integration can be seen in projects like the Reichstag Dome in Berlin, where Norman foster blended modern design with the existing historical structure, creating a powerful symbol of Germany’s past and future ¹.

The Palazzo’s Storied Past

The palazzo itself boasts a rich history,having been owned by only four families in its nearly 350 years. Originally constructed around 1690 by the Sala family through the merging of existing structures, it later passed to the Sassi family in the early 20th century. Fabrizio acquired the property after the pandemic, drawn to the “grandeur hidden behind the classic Lombardian facade.” He secured the deal with a promise that the sellers would never encounter another buyer “crazy enough” to take on such an extensive project. The palazzo’s vastness, encompassing over 50 rooms and 22,000 square feet, presents both a challenge and an opportunity to preserve and reimagine a critically important piece of italian history.

Unearthing Architectural Secrets

The property’s architectural origins may trace back to the Quadrio family, known for their work on Milan’s Gothic duomo in the 17th and 18th centuries.However,historical documentation is scarce. Fabrizio’s exploration has revealed intricate details, such as the ballroom’s cathedral ceiling with trompe l’oeil windows and a swirly red-and-white terra-cotta floor. “Every room is its own palimpsest,” he notes,highlighting the layers of history embedded within the building’s walls. The lower level’s ballroom, with its 20-foot walls, reflects a design aesthetic of the 1700s, when art was often displayed in vertical stacks. The lack of extensive historical records underscores the importance of Fabrizio’s hands-on approach, carefully uncovering the building’s secrets layer by layer.

A Gradual Transformation

Currently, the palazzo is largely unfurnished and lacks basic amenities like heating and updated wiring. Fabrizio has only “colonized” a few rooms with essential furniture, allowing him to experience the space before committing to major renovations. “I want to keep this feeling of living in a place that doesn’t belong to me,” he explains.His approach prioritizes preserving the building’s unique atmosphere over a rapid, comprehensive restoration.This considered approach allows Fabrizio to fully immerse himself in the palazzo’s history and character, informing his design choices and ensuring a sensitive and meaningful transformation.

Finding Solace and Inspiration

For Fabrizio, the palazzo is a sanctuary—a place for solitude and reflection. He recounts being awakened by a storm that felled 20 cypress trees and discovering scorpions in the halls. These encounters reinforce the palazzo’s wild and untamed nature. “I don’t want the ghosts to get in,” he says, “Sometimes there’s a need to close the door — to keep everything out. This is the place to do that.” The palazzo provides a physical and metaphorical space to disconnect from the outside world and connect with a deeper sense of history and self.

The renovation of this palazzo is more than just a construction project; it’s a journey into history, a quest for personal expression, and a testament to the enduring power of place. Fabrizio’s vision promises to breathe new life into a forgotten landmark, creating a space that honors its past while embracing the future. As he continues his work, the world watches with anticipation, eager to see how he will transform this “tumbledown 17th-century palace” into a modern masterpiece.

Are you inspired by Fabrizio’s approach to blending history and modernity? Share your thoughts on preserving historical buildings in the comments below!

What are your thoughts on ancient renovations and modern aesthetics?

Dedar heir Raffaele Fabrizio on Restoring a 17th-Century Palazzo

We sat down with Raffaele Fabrizio, a key figure at the esteemed Italian fabric house Dedar, to discuss his captivating project: the renovation of a dilapidated 17th-century palazzo in Valmorea, Italy. His passion for historical spaces and innovative design approach promise a unique transformation. Let’s delve into his journey.

An Interview with Raffaele Fabrizio

Archyde’s Design Editor, Amelia Stone: Raffaele, thank you for taking the time to speak with us.Your work with Dedar is renowned, and now you’re embarking on this astonishing palazzo renovation. What sparked this passion for historical spaces, notably one in such a state of disrepair?

Raffaele Fabrizio: Amelia, the pleasure is all mine. My fascination truly began in childhood. Growing up near Lake Como, I was captivated by an abandoned 17th-century villa, a sort of “forbidden place,” as I called it than. The faded frescoes, the palpable history… it ignited my creativity. That early exploration of abandoned spaces instilled in me a deep thankfulness for history and atmosphere, which now profoundly influences my approach to this palazzo renovation.

Modernity Meets History: A Unique Renovation Approach

Amelia Stone: Many restorations aim for pristine replication. However, you’ve mentioned a “modern layer” interweaving with the palazzo’s historical fabric. Could you elaborate on this approach? How do you balance preserving the historical integrity of the palazzo with injecting contemporary design elements?

Raffaele Fabrizio: That’s the central challenge and the most exciting part,I think. For me, it’s about creating a dialog, not a museum piece. I want the space to feel alive, relevant. So, while respecting the original architecture and preserving its inherent character, I’m introducing carefully considered modern elements.think of updated wiring and heating, of course, but also strategically placed contemporary lighting fixtures that highlight the existing architectural details. It is about finding a way to bridge the centuries and show history in a new light. Much like how architects are using integrated modern designs as a historical preservation showcase.

Unearthing The Palazzo’s Secrets

Amelia Stone: The palazzo has a fascinating history, owned by only four families in its 350 years. You’ve mentioned unearthing architectural secrets, like the ballroom’s cathedral ceiling. Can you share one particularly surprising or impactful discovery you’ve made during this process?

Raffaele Fabrizio: Absolutely. the discovery of the ballroom was one of the key elements in my decision to acquire the Palazzo. Many buildings in the area feature standard floors,but the ballroom with its 20-foot walls reflects 1700s architecture,where art was displayed in vertical stacks. However what i would count as a surprise are the amount of trompe l’oeil effects, and the way some walls had been covered to hide the old paintings. It’s like peeling back the layers of time, one brushstroke at a time. Each discovery informs the next, guiding my design decisions. It is like a canvas that changes and adapts.

the Palazzo as a Sanctuary

Amelia Stone: You’ve described the palazzo as a sanctuary. What does it offer you that a modern, curated space wouldn’t? What is the emotion you look for when designing a new space from scratch or renovating an old one?

Raffaele Fabrizio: You know, the palazzo offers a sense of solitude and connection to something larger than myself. it’s a place where I can disconnect from the constant demands of modern life and reconnect with history, with my own thoughts. It is indeed a wild untamed space, with cypress trees in the yard. Feeling the story and the echoes of the past. That’s what I look to capture. The emotion of the place.

A Palazzo Transformed: what are Your Thoughts?

Amelia Stone: This is a truly inspiring project, Raffaele.Thank you for sharing your vision with us. One last question to our readers: What aspects of combining history and modern aesthetics do you find most compelling? Share your experiences with historical renovations and your thoughts on building preservation in the comments below! What are your thoughts on historical renovations and modern aesthetics?