The elegant renovation of Sanlorenzo shipyard in La Spezia

By Editorial Staff - 11 August 2021

Lissoni Casal Ribeiro has designed the buildings for one of the four shipyards operated by Sanlorenzo, one of the world’s largest yacht and superyacht builders.

The existing buildings were of historical interest, with the oldest one dating from the late 19th century. The architects therefore decided to preserve the existing materiality of the complex. The redevelopment also involved reconstructing some sections, giving a new visual coherence and harmony to the whole.

The site has therefore retained its original strongly industrial character. The existing five buildings and two warehouses were stripped back and restored to their essential nature, with the addition of a new and appropriate materials palette.

A bronze-colored, micro-perforated corrugated cladding was applied to some of the walls, an addition that maintains the industrial appearance while also giving the exterior a new look. The cladding offers glimpses of the underlying structure – a design choice that brings dignity to the project by revealing its identity.

Blue, Sanlorenzo’s corporate color, has been used throughout the project, linking it to the nearby sea. The entrance doors to the warehouses have been painted burgundy with huge letters that identify them with their strong graphic language.

A project that doesn’t hide its contemporary character, Sanlorenzo’s refurbished shipyards are an innovative design that demonstrates the architects’ skill in adapting existing buildings to meet modern needs without disrespecting any of their history.

Finally, the project made use of replaceable building materials, so that the appearance can easily be modified as needs change going into the future.