The Brucoli lighthouse is nestled on one of Italy’s most charming and spectacular strips: between the towns of Catania and Siracusa, and on the outskirts of Sicily’s Val di Noto, it is surrounded by the sea on three sides and faces Mount Etna with spectacular views.
Built in 1911, the structure had been abandoned for decades before renovation works started in 2019 to bring the simple lighthouse and adjoined building back to life. The project was developed by Sicilian architectural studio Itinera: based in Caltanissetta, the studio has worked on several restoration projects both locally and elsewhere in Italy, working on churches and historical buildings. They developed this new project with special attention to the original building’s structural heritage, its archeological importance and its views across the sea. In particular, the studio also focused on using environmentally responsible materials and techniques throughout.
Inside, the compact century-old structure has been stripped back to create a contemporary, all-white interior that connects to the outdoors spaces, including a rooftop terrace. To accentuate the modernity and lightness of the space, the architects selected a series of iconic pieces by Italian furniture company Molteni. The company is no stranger to impressive interiors projects, having collaborated on tailor-made residential, hospitality, office and cultural projects worldwide.
Using both new and historical pieces, the project features harmonious interiors including the sinuous shapes of Gio Ponti’s D.151.4 armchairs upholstered in blue velvet and D.552.2 coffee table in the living area downstairs, as well as Rodolfo Dordoni’s sleek Fulham bed upstairs.
This project is part of an extensive initiative to bring back to life historical structures across Italy and promote their heritage as well as their future potential. The lighthouse’s updated structure and aesthetic are fit for its new life as accommodation for tourism and cultural purposes, and a welcome addition to the unique Sicilian landscape.
The interiors have been stripped back to create a contemporary space, furnished with pieces by Italian furniture company Molteni. These include the sinuous D.151.4 armchairs by Gio Ponti, upholstered in blue velvet and the Italian architect D.552.2 coffee table, both in the living area downstairs
The lighthouse is surrounded by the sea on three sides and faces Mount Etna with spectacular views
Upstairs, Rodolfo Dordoni’s sleek Fulham bed is the focal point of the lighthouse’s bedroom
The all-white interiors connect to minimal outdoors spaces
INFORMATION
-
Herzog & de Meuron are renovating New York's iconic Breuer Building. Here's a first look at the renderingsThis fall, the brutalist icon will be re-opening as the New York headquarters for Sotheby's.
-
Eleven great things to see at 3 Days of Design 2025The scale and scope of 3 Days of Design has expanded dramatically since its inception 12 years ago. Here, we share our pick of standout exhibitions and events from the upcoming edition (18-20 June 2025)
-
Introducing Wallpaper’s new video series, Work in ProcessIn this series, Wallpaper* discovers the processes by which creative visionaries bring their work to life. First up, we head to the Fonteyne Studio at the Royal Opera House to meet esteemed ballet dancer William Bracewell
-
How was Carlo Ratti’s ‘Intelligens’? Wallpaper* editors discuss the 19th Venice BiennaleHaving visited ‘Intelligens’, the 19th Venice Biennale's main show by curator Carlo Ratti, the Wallpaper* editors discuss what they saw at the world's biggest global architecture festival
-
Discover architect Ico Parisi’s modernist sanctuaries on the banks of Lake ComoA string of sculptural sanctuaries by architect Ico Parisi on the banks of Lake Como helped cement the area as the heartland of Italian modernism; we explore his work in an article from the Wallpaper* archives
-
Explore this new Lake Como villa and its powerful, cinematic viewsA Lake Como villa by Tuckey Design Studio celebrates the history of its site and references the surrounding landscape through materiality
-
2026 Olympic and Paralympic Torches: in Carlo Ratti's minimalism ‘the flame is the protagonist’The 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Torches for the upcoming Milano Cortina Games have been revealed, designed by architect Carlo Ratti to highlight the Olympic flame
-
Anni Albers' weaving magic offers a delightful 2-in-1 modernist showcase in MilanA Milan Design Week showcase of Anni Albers’ weaving work, brought to life by Dedar with the Josef & Anni Albers Foundation, brings visitors to modernist icon, the BBPR-designed Torre Velasca
-
Milan Design Week: ‘A Beat of Water’ highlights the power of the precious natural resource‘A Beat of Water’ by BIG - Bjarke Ingels Group and Roca zooms in on water and its power – from natural element to valuable resource, touching on sustainability and consumption
-
This Milan Design Week installation invites you to tread barefoot inside a palazzoAt Palazzo Litta, Moscapartners and Byoung Cho launch a contemplative installation on the theme of migration
-
The upcoming Zaha Hadid Architects projects set to transform the horizonA peek at Zaha Hadid Architects’ future projects, which will comprise some of the most innovative and intriguing structures in the world
