Studio Archiloop: Architects of Amazing Heritage Hotels in Italy

Located within the ancient confines of abundant artistic creativity - Florence - Studio Archiloop is a multifaceted architecture and design agency that was the coming together of two dynamic companies - Da.Studio and Archisette.

Founded by a quinumvirate of talent, Archiloop is a creative union originally made up of Jacopo Venerosi Pesciolini, Federica Barni, Claudia Remisceg, Ernesto Bartolini, and Arianna Pieri – a powerhouse of architects who all share the same vision – to preserve the heritage of Italy through a modern lens. Since 2016, Ernesto Bartolini and Arianna Pieri have moved to London, with the remaining trio managing the complete operation of Archiloop Italy alongside a fantastic team of collaborators.

We see their dedication, precision, and persistence over the course of their projects. They describe their involvement as "complex planning of different scale, from the urban planning stage to the interior design, placing always social, economic and environmental sustainability among its main goals."

With a more detailed look at Studio Archiloop's modus operandi, we can clearly see the link between existing structures, the planned architecture and the terroir of the land – thus creating a symbiotic relationship, with each holding its own; the result a considered and conscious, low environmental impact co-operation. Building materials play their part, with Archiloop favouring authentic or local materials, and they see themselves as the link to bring others together, understanding the importance of craft and the artisan legacy – we often see the use of tile makers, woodworkers and stone masons energising Archiloop's projects with their skill. 

In the portfolio of The Aficionados members, there are three heritage hotels in Italy that carry their architectural DNA. La Bandita Townhouse in Tuscany, a project that needed an eye that could see past the tumbled-down buildings to a future of salvaged perfection, was designed by Ernesto Bartolini and Arianna Pieri with the collaboration of Claudia Remisceg through the previous studio, Da.Studio. La Bandita Townhouse's history as a former convent meant that the old stone walls were rich in atmosphere, creating an appealing template for modern hospitality. 

The now legendary hotel Monteverdi Tuscany – a story of confected restoration and salvaged diligence is a reclamation project of scale, spanning 14 years, turning the dilapidated Tuscan hilltop hamlet of Castiglioncello del Trinoro into a style commune of bold rural architecture, also had the touch of Da.Studio. Local wood, Tuscan flagstone, granite, travertine, and Carrara marble envelop the property, anchoring it firmly in its rustic roots, while the aesthetic is fresh, clean and atmospheric. Studio Archiloop continues the story here with further additions in a collaborative pipeline with Foster+Partners. 

More recently, Archiloop has worked on the gorgeous renovation of the Umbrian monastery Vocabolo Moscatelli. In trademark style, Vocabolo Moscatelli's heritage features are preserved with original floors, terracotta brickwork, wooden beams, and natural materials, brass, iron, and stone, while creating a truly refreshing and luxurious retreat. On top of this, local craft is celebrated, with stone masons, blacksmiths, ceramicists, tile makers, and painters applying centuries-old techniques made fresh by modern hands. 

Other notable recent projects include the Podere in Val d'Orcia and Casa Newton in collaboration with Antonie Bertherat-Kioes and Luciano Giubbilei for the landscape.  A narrative of preserving the past through thoughtful and innovative architecture, Studio Archiloop's mantra of keeping history at the forefront ensures that the essence of heritage Italy continues into the hands of the next generation.