Vimar’s Eikon Exé for the Radisson Collection Hotel, Palazzo Nani: A contemporary touch that honours the past

Nestled in a 16th Century Venetian palazzo overlooking the Cannaregio canal, in one of the city's most authentic districts, lies the new Radisson Collection Hotel, Palazzo Nani. This 5-star hotel is the culmination of a lengthy restoration process, curated by Studio Marco Piva for interior design and by Venice Plan for architecture and construction management, with the approval of the Fine Arts and Landscape Superintendency of Venice. A meticulous aesthetic investigation, combined with the artistic heritage, for a new concept of luxury, aimed at preserving and enhancing the original structures, flooring and all the frescoes.

Having served as a private residence for the ancient Nani family, an Austrian barracks, and then a school, this building has undergone numerous transformations over the years, remaining a hidden gem among taverns and workshops in a characteristic district near the Jewish Ghetto. Now part of the Radisson Collection hotel chain, this new property boasts 52 rooms and suites, along with 3 private apartments. Its spacious, bright interiors feature a colour palette inspired by the hues of the frescoed ceilings. Every detail has been meticulously chosen to create a harmonious and immersive experience that is deeply rooted in the Venetian spirit, including the Vimar devices from the exclusive Eikon Exé series with traditional controls, in anthracite grey, which match the finish of the control with that of the cover plate, to achieve a sophisticated Total Look.

The emotional aspect and the connection to the place are the heart and soul of the project. Studio Marco Piva's work is centred around creating a dialogue with the existing structure and the history of the place, resulting in a deeply evocative design. A contemporary touch that honours the past, with a “box-in-the-box” furnishing concept, aimed at preserving the palazzo’s identity. Conceived as an inclusive hospitality space, open to the city and accessible to those wishing to enjoy the restaurant, lounge bar, and lobby, the Radisson Collection Hotel Palazzo Nani's communal areas create a sense of balance and elegance, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the endless allure of the lagoon city. A common thread running through all public and private spaces, the fluted motif adds a rhythmic movement to the glass, wood, and fabric surfaces. The two noble halls feature elegantly frescoed lobbies, complete with marble inlay, painted muses in the oval door panels, and ceilings showcasing mythological scenes of Apollo, Venus, Cupid, and Orpheus on Mount Olympus Even the gym is located in a frescoed room, decorated with colours that complement the hues of the frescoes. Cylindrical design elements, almost reaching the ceiling, divide the space.

The juxtaposition of the contemporary with a meticulous preservation of the past can also be seen in the choice of the Eikon Exé series, in the version with traditional controls. The devices installed are perfectly visible and arranged in an orderly manner throughout the hotel facility: on the elegant padded fabric headboards, on the stylish bathroom wood panelling, and in all the communal areas. Eikon Exé seems like the obvious choice: a classic, defined geometry that perfectly aligns with the style of the facility. A unique colour combination for the cover plate, in Total Look anthracite grey metal, with one or two brushed dark bronze variants here and there, in the pillars inside the frescoed rooms, inserted to preserve the walls intact. The perfect combination of precision technology and impeccable craftsmanship, available in a variety of materials and prized finishes, from marbled stoneware to metal and glass, Eikon Exé cover plates blend in seamlessly with this space, creating an original look, with unique stylish details, customised symbols and laser engraved logos for bespoke projects.

Vimar’s Elvox Video door entry systems are also part of the design choices. Indeed, the external façade, characterised by a series of arches and ornate stone crests, is graced by the Patavium entrance panel. Made of brass, it features a timeless design, distinguished by curved lines, making it ideal in prized settings and historical buildings such as this one. In contract, the Luxury Apartments, accessible from the side alley of Palazzo Nani, feature a slate Pixel alphanumerical entrance panel with two push buttons, harmoniously blending with the exposed brick wall.

“With the Palazzo Nani Project, e aimed to create a "special place" in Venice, offering the highest standards of hospitality in an engaging and immersive environment” explains Marco Piva. “A new concept of luxury that seamlessly blends history, art, and design to create an unforgettable experience for guests and visitors, rooted in the best of Venetian traditions. Palazzo Nani has been meticulously restored, bringing its monumental features, friezes, and frescoes back to their former glory. The non-invasive interior design respects the building's history while adding a touch of elegance and lightness. A design that carefully considers form, materials, colours, and textures to create a sophisticated new setting, contributing to the city's magnificence.”

A contemporary touch that honours the past, where Vimar’s positive energy is gracefully incorporated with a light touch.