The concept, "NAP" as in "Nest Above the Past", envisions the apartment as a peaceful retreat—a symbolic "nap" from the chaos of urban life.
The design idea stems from the desire to preserve the historical soul of Palazzo Calboli dall’Aste, while reinterpreting it in a contemporary key.
The concept unfolds through the use of reflective and colored surfaces, such as the scenographic mirrored staircase, which amplifies the space and becomes a symbol of innovation and dialogue between past and present.
Each space is designed to offer visual continuity and functional harmony, with custom furnishings and refined materials.
Even the most intimate areas take center stage, going beyond traditional standards and transforming living into an immersive aesthetic experience.
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The project is located on the top floor of Palazzo Calboli dall’Aste, in the historic heart of Forlì, and rises like a “nest” above the city’s history. Its privileged position offers panoramic views, establishing a visual connection between the interior and surrounding urban landscape.
The connection with the surroundings is enhanced by the use of amber mirrored surfaces, whose tones recall the exposed bricks of the building’s exterior façades. Inside, the choice of warm hues evokes the colors of ancient residences, creating a subtle reference to the memory of the place and fostering a dialogue between history and contemporaneity.
In this way, the residence harmoniously integrates into the urban fabric, introducing innovative elements without compromising the historical value of the context.
A key strategy in terms of sustainability has been the reuse of existing elements, limiting the use of new resources and reducing environmental impact. Furthermore, the use of reflective surfaces and materials that enhance natural light has helped lower energy demand, improving the overall efficiency of the spaces.
Finally, we believe that aesthetic quality also represents a form of sustainability: creating beautiful things means making places that are appreciated, lived in, and, more likely, preserved over time.
This helps reduce the need for demolitions or complete replacements, promoting a more durable approach that respects both the environment and the existing heritage.
In the heart of Forlì, the NAP penthouse in Palazzo Calboli dall’Aste is a refined dialogue between history and contemporaneity.
The project fully renovates the top-floor apartment of a listed building, preserving its historical soul while enhancing original features such as exposed beams and the double-height living room, reinterpreted in a modern way.
Natural light, a key element, is amplified by light-colored and mirrored surfaces, giving the spaces a striking sense of airiness despite the constraints of the existing openings.
The entrance welcomes visitors with a sculptural staircase clad in colored mirror, serving as the scenographic centerpiece of the double-height space.
Custom-made furnishings, with clean lines and fine materials, support the fluid spatial distribution, where the kitchen remains discreet yet functional.
The sleeping area has been redesigned to accommodate a single, spacious master bedroom with an integrated bathroom. A glass partition creates visual continuity and amplifies the light filtered through skylights.
The bathroom, with mirrored and colored surfaces, becomes a key protagonist—combining aesthetics and functionality in perfect balance.
Even functional elements like the bathroom and staircase take center stage, surpassing traditional standards and transforming living into an immersive aesthetic experience.
“NAP” (Nest Above the Past) is a contemporary retreat suspended above history—a space of calm and contemplation in the vibrant heart of the city.
The NAP project has transformed our penthouse into a contemporary retreat, while respecting the historical soul of Palazzo Calboli. The new light and open spaces have breathed new life into the home, making it both functional and welcoming. The sculptural staircase and the bathroom are true everyday works of art. This is our “nest above the past” — a place to live the present immersed in history, surrounded by comfort and beauty.
tissellistudioarchitetti was founded in 1998 by the architect Filippo Tisselli, who was joined in 2001 by the architect Cinzia Mondello. Architect Marcin Dworzynski has been collaborating with the studio since 2011.
Over the years, the studio has worked on a variety of projects ranging from residential buildings to the service industry, from interior architecture to design.
Working in/for the region, the studio is now a local business that has maintained a modest size typical of a provincial business as regards its internal organisational structure, but with a focus on merging years of experience and expertise in the field, the study of language, research into new technology and materials and attention detail at all levels of the design process.
A small, all-round architectural studio that endeavours to bring the international architectural scene to the local region.