Stratus Surprisus - Villa Médicis

Architectural competition

Villa Medici

2025

Stratus Surprisus is a refurbishment for optimizing the smallest of the guest rooms with an element of surprise. Color is used to structure and greatly enlarge the space, while custom-made fittings deploy their utilities like a jack-in-the-box. The functions are fully integrated along the walls to create an impression of expansion. The furniture appears as required: the table emerges from the wall and the bed from the chaise longue.

Villa Medici, a place conducive to inspiration and concentration, also invites us on a journey through the strata of a historical space. By alluding to the history of the place and its former directors, the room encourages us to let ourselves be imbued with the spirit of the Villa. Working in collaboration with Pierre Gouazé, the Studio has created wall patinas that pay homage to Balthus. Lighting fixtures were designed with the craft glassmaker Simon Muller, based on the Medici coat of arms. The room has many more surprises in store, such as references to scenographer and designer Richard Peduzzi, director of Villa Medici from 2003 to 2008. The sky of Rome and its light are also a central inspiration for the project. They become the spectacle towards which the entire room is directed.