New Light for a 20th-Century Home

By Editorial Staff - 2 October 2025
PB Finestre has participated in the project

An early 20^th-century villa has been given new life through a contemporary reimagining of the original architectural language. Under the guidance of architects Alessandro Marcattili and Daniela Bianchi, the amdb architetti practice embarked on this project with a clear goal: to preserve the soul and character of the past while translating and reinterpreting it into the present. Stepping inside the building, time folds in on itself. Ornate frescoes, delicate moldings and heirloom furnishings conjure the villa’s early 20^th-century soul, while design elements, minimalist lines and a sophisticated atmosphere enhanced by a palette drawn from the surrounding landscape usher it into the contemporary world.

La nuova luce di una residenza novecentesca © darioborrutoph, courtesy PB | Finestre sul mondo

PB | Finestre sul mondo’s involvement was to enhance one of the villa’s vital features, specifically the connection between inside and out. Favoring single sash windows, nothing speaks better to the importance of the company’s role than the soaring nearly
3 m-high openings, drawing in natural light and expanding the visual reach of each room. They supplied all-oak Flat frames, crafted entirely in Italy – a choice that reflects the villa’s materials and geometry with refined precision. The absence of visible hardware and the use of flush-mounted profiles amplify the home’s clean, streamlined esthetic, bringing a sense of elegant simplicity and order to every room. That same design coherence carries through even in the most understated spaces, thanks to the use of identical finishes.

Flat is defined by two essential qualities: clean, minimalist lines and rich, tactile materials. From the very first prototype, the flexibility of this range ensures it fits effortlessly into projects across varying styles. At the same time, its modular design brings seamless integration, whether in heritage restorations or contemporary new builds. In this villa, the designers opted for the all-oak version, but the system offers a wide range of configurations, from solid wood to wood-and-aluminum to wood-and-glass. There is also a variant with traditional glazing beads, designed for spaces where the historical spirit of a building sets the tone. Design possibilities include arched openings, sliding panels and bespoke solutions, with sashes that can support up to 200 Kg and soar to heights of over 4 m.