Reuse the Abbey

Competitions

All projects

Project Site

Santa Maria del Piano, Orvinio (RI)

Year

2025

MQ

541

Client

Reuse Italy

Task

International Competition

Team

Diomira Cuomo + Giada Penna + Alessia Cuccurullo

International competition "Reuse the Abbey"

The competition aims to reuse the abandoned Abbey as a meditation center, integrated with facilities.

The project aims to preserve the abbey’s original structure and spatial essence, maintaining its visual integrity. Instead of filling the nave with volumes that could alter the space’s perception, the design opts for elevated spaces, housing the necessary functions. The nave is left free to be traversed, respecting the original conformation of the space. The tripartition of the nave is recalled by the creation of a central space and two open-covered lateral paths. Favouring the lack of roofing, the space has not been entirely covered, but left uncovered in the centre, thus maintaining the view of the sky from inside the building.

The idea stems from the “treehouse” concept, creating a dialogue between solids and voids, green and paved areas, wooden roofs and open spaces that offer the views of nature. The “treehouses,” placed beneath wooden roofs, provide spaces for meditation and yoga, peaceful retreats sheltered by tree canopies, where one can reconnect with oneself in silence. The roof structure, inspired by the original destroyed slope, alternates between wooden beams and transparent glass, allowing for natural light while protecting from the outside elements. These treehouses are connected by raised ramps that run along the abbey’s perimeter, offering access to the elevated spaces and a fluid experience of the building.

The sides of the apse house service areas, with a left section containing restrooms, including an accessible one, and an upper floor accessible via ramps, where yoga can be practiced either under cover or outdoors on a terrace blending into the surroundings. On the right, a staircase with wooden slats filters light and air, connects the upper ramp, the bell tower, and the treehouses, ensuring permeability between spaces. The bell tower, housing an elevator, features a lookout point through the original openings, offering a unique view. The lift allows access to the ramps and threehouses floor, also allowing access for the disabled. It is also possible to visit the upper floors of the bell tower, all the way to the top floor, originally subject to infiltration due to the collapse of the bell tower's edge, but now protected by a diamond-pointed glass that allows natural light and a view of the sky.

The lateral body is dedicated to dining and services. It hosts a courtyard where tables are located for outdoor dining. The interior hosts a kitchen area and tables for the indoor dining. This area is equipped with dedicated toilets. A staircase connects with the upper floor, located under a pitched roof made of wooden beams and glass, which follows the original slope of the wall. The upper floor houses tables for a relaxing break and an open terrace shaded by a Ginko Biloba tree.

An outdoor path links the abbey to the lateral body, overcoming the height difference with an elevated deck made from materials contrasting with the ground beneath. Accessibility is prioritized throughout the project: ramps and an elevator connect all levels, ensuring that everyone, including those with disabilities, can fully experience this sensory and spiritual space.