ORTUS

010 - ENFILADE HOUSE

In the Colonna-Gnudi Palace, in the heart of Bologna, ORTUS project for a young couple of actors, seeks harmony between the original hidden layers and the intrusive additions of the past century.
Materials played a crucial role in creating an atmosphere of calm and coziness, while establishing a subtle dialogue between the existing elements and the newly introduced ones.
We used only local materials, from handmade Bolognese tiles to bespoke plasters mixed with the reddish sand unique to this city.
The floor was carefully designed to restore the missing sections of the original terrazzo, using a mix of concrete and locally quarried stones chosen to match the colors of the Renaissance era flooring that once adorned the hall.
A beautiful journey with and 💛 we’ll keep sharing in the coming days !
TEAM
Architecture :
Engineering : Teleios
Custom made floors : .in.cemento.naturale
General Contractor : Nisma
Photography :

010 - ENFILADE HOUSE

In the Colonna-Gnudi Palace, in the heart of Bologna, ORTUS project for a young couple of actors, seeks harmony between the original hidden layers and the intrusive additions of the past century.
Following our project approach, we designed new bathrooms by extending the existing spaces and cladding both old and new walls with waterproof plaster mixed with local sand, seamlessly blending the existing and new into one continuous, generous environment.
A special interior window allows natural light to illuminate an oversized shower that we aimed to fill with light and potentially connect to the rest of the house. In contrast, the second bathroom is clad in local burnt ceramic tiles in a dark red, almost black tone. We love the idea of offering this home two contrasting bathing experiences, united by the same handcrafted attention to detail and material experience.
A beautiful journey with and 💛 we’ll keep sharing in the coming days !
TEAM
Architecture :
Engineering : Teleios
Custom made floors : .in.cemento.naturale
General Contractor : Nisma
Photography :

Our proposal for the MNAC museum concludes with a focus on spatial continuity and the role of free space as a peculiar feature of our work. At ground level, the new building connects seamlessly with the existing sculpture garden, preserving its calm presence and extending its public character into the interior. This connection allows for an open and accessible threshold, where uses can shift and evolve over time. Above, a large rooftop terrace introduces a second free space—open to the city, flexible in its program, and offering new opportunities for public engagement. Both elements reflect an approach grounded in adaptability, where architecture creates conditions rather than fixed outcomes.
TEAM

Architecturetoccolini

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Structural Engineering
Pedro Nave, Eng.

Museology
Teresa Nunes da Ponte, Arch.

HVAC
João Madeira da Silva, Eng.

Water & Sewage
Odete Charneca, Eng.

Electrical Systems
GLU – Luís Ribeiro, Eng.

Thermal Systems
Luís Trindade, Eng.

Imagesch

Fire Safety (SCIE)
Bruno Lopes, Arch.

Our proposal together with for the Public Market in Olivais, Lisbon, is designed as an open and permeable space that integrates
seamlessly into its residential surroundings. Its L-shaped structure connects with existing buildings,
public plazas, and Vale do Silêncio Park, fostering interaction even when closed. Sustainability is
central to the design, with natural ventilation, strategic lighting, and photovoltaic panels reducing
energy use. A distinctive roof enhances airflow, keeping the interior cool. Commercial spaces have
dual entrances, activating both the market and surrounding streets.More than a marketplace, it
serves as a cultural and social hub, with a central courtyard for events and a café linking key public
spaces. The project explores the use of traditional azulejos in a contemporary design in order to make
it a recognizable landmark and a deeply specific intervention, reinforcing the area’s identity while
enhancing urban life. We believe that the pattern of the ceramic design can reflect a significant
moment in the neighborhood’s history, as the market has always been the urban and social core of
the Olivais community. It predates the construction of the adjacent housing blocks A and B and
continues to foster strong community engagement.
TEAM