In the heart of the Romagna Riviera, in Gatteo a Mare, in the province of Forlì-Cesena, Hotel Imperiale embarked on a major renovation project in 2024, designed by architect Sara Pivato in collaboration with Raffaella Antoniacci. The renovation, involving the reception area and outdoor terrace, was conceived to combine innovation, sustainability and the enhancement of the building’s historical identity, transforming the hospitality spaces through a design approach that responds to contemporary needs. “The aim was to renew the hospitality areas while preserving their connection with the building’s history, reinterpreting its distinctive features in a contemporary way,” explains architect Sara Pivato. Hotel Imperiale is a complex building that has evolved over time from an original structure dating back to the 1940s and is characterised by references to the Art Nouveau style. The renovation sought to preserve this historical connection while reinterpreting it through a contemporary design language featuring arches, curves, wood panelling and soft colours, combined with innovative materials and design solutions intended to improve the quality of the spaces. The new layout involved the reception, bar and communal lounge area, making them more functional and comfortable. The seafront terrace was also redesigned as a contemporary, welcoming space, featuring an outdoor structure with expanded metal screening that provides shade and enhances the large glazed openings. Inside, a lowered ceiling with arched profiles helps improve acoustics while recalling the building’s Art Nouveau forms, maintaining a dialogue between its history and the new identity of the interiors. “We focused on the relationship between the original architectural features and the new requirements of hospitality, seeking a balance between past and present,” explains Sara Pivato. The selection of materials thus becomes an integral part of the design. The Side Stone collection by Lea Ceramiche, in the Cluster Mid graphic variant, characterised by a rich, pronounced texture, was used for flooring, functional surfaces and seating, helping to establish continuity between the different areas. The 60 × 60 cm format, with a thickness of 9 mm, was used for the interior flooring and to clad the outdoor seating, reception desk and bar counter. The relationship between the ceramic surfaces and wood panelling defines the interiors through a refined balance of materials, creating an elegant and understated atmosphere. Ceramics thus become part of a broader design system in which floors, furnishings and wall coverings work together to establish a coherent identity, accommodating the different functions of the spaces while maintaining a pleasing sense of visual continuity. “The materials were selected to create continuity between the different areas, establishing connections between floors, furnishings and surfaces while maintaining a consistent identity throughout the project,” adds Sara Pivato. Alongside its aesthetic considerations, the project placed particular emphasis on safety, accessibility and sustainability. The works also involved the ground-floor structure, which supports the three upper floors of guest rooms and the rooftop solarium, with structural improvements designed to enhance safety. At the same time, architectural barriers were removed, making the spaces more accessible and easier to use. The renovation also incorporated solutions aimed at improving energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. New windows and doors enhance the building’s energy performance, while full LED lighting, both indoors and outdoors, helps reduce energy consumption. A controlled mechanical ventilation system was also installed. In addition, recycled materials certified to UNI EN ISO 14001:2015 were used for furnishings, wood panelling and coverings, supporting the recovery of materials and energy from waste. The project also benefited from funding under the Emilia-Romagna Regional POR ERDF programme, aimed at upgrading hospitality facilities and promoting more accessible, safer and more sustainable tourism. The renovation of Hotel Imperiale has brought a new level of quality to its hospitality spaces, revitalising a building with a strong historical identity through a careful balance of architecture, materials and innovative solutions. Throughout the project, ceramic surfaces provide a consistent design element, helping to define a new approach to the hospitality experience.
