A penthouse a stone’s throw away from the centre of Padova, north-east Italy. Padova is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful Italian cities, sometimes overlooked because of its proximity to Venice. This time around, our owners are a couple of lawyers, who have long waited for their dream home. Now with grown-up children and after many years spent focusing on their careers, fortune has finally knocked on their door.
Right in the centre, Doge, the large dining table designed in 1968 by Carlo Scarpa and brought back into production by Simon /Cassina. Around the table: Kazuki, dining chairs in glossy black. Photo: Courtesy Arredo Dal Pozzo.
Very close to the historical central of Padova: a modern and sleek home without gimmicks. From the living room window one has a clear view over the dome and tower of one of the most renowned churches of this town, Basilica del Carmine with the altar by Canova. And just a few feet away, the world renowned 14th century Cappella degli Scrovegni frescoed by Giotto. This precise location, just outside the city walls, persuaded our couple to leave their old flat right in the middle of town, where they brought up all of their children.
Steel door fronts in a waxed finish. Bespoke storage by Fabrika, a paduan firm experienced in handcrafted furniture. Photo: Courtesy Arredo Dal Pozzo.
Project specification: to have a free-flowing interior and an exterior which appears to be fading away. The large roof terrace, which runs the entire length of the flat, is in the shape of a back-to-front C. It has a large glass façade, which can be either fully opened or closed according to changing seasons. An incredible glaeery runs the entire length of the flat, instead of what could have been just a conventional corridor. Narrow structural columns on one side and on the opposite side, extremely functional built-in storage, for a clutter-free space.
Kitchen by Fabrika, glossy white lacquer and counter top in black granite. Photo: Courtesy Arredo Dal Pozzo.
To cook while gazing at the sky and the clouds above; well, this is really something special. After having spent almost thirty years in their old home; here, the owners wanted a sleek and modern décor and first and foremost, to replace the old kitchen, which was by now extremely dated. Glossy surfaces change colour when light is reflected upon them and even the black counter tops, dark by night, almost vanish completely during the day.
Glossy surface with light-reflecting qualities. Photo: Courtesy Arredo Dal Pozzo.
Turn to the right and you’re in the centre of town; Basilica del Carmine is just behind you. To live at the top floor and to be able to admire this view was a must for our couple of lawyers. They can now enjoy this spectacular scenery during their rare moments of down-time, caught in between the many cases they are constantly working on.
Here, attention to detail is paramount. Foto: Courtesy Arredo Dal Pozzo.
The plan of this penthouse extends lengthwise. On one side of the glass gallery, the living room and on the other, the kitchen. A breakfast bar built in the island, so they can eat next to the hob, when there aren’t entertaining or there’s no time to set the table. From the kitchen to the bathroom, every detail has been carefully designed. This dream home was long overdue.
Design project
City centre penthouse
Location: Padova, Veneto, Italy
Client: Private
Size: 200 mq ca.
Interior design and furniture:
Arredo Dal Pozzo, Grisignano di Zocco, Vicenza, Italy
Photos: Courtesy Arredo Dal Pozzo
