Project overview
The Isola project at Villa Medici in Rome is a distinguished renovation that redefines seven guest rooms and two historic gardens. Led by Studio Sabourin Costes in collaboration with Ideal Work France and ID Instinctif Design, this project elegantly fuses architectural heritage with contemporary design and artisanal craftsmanship.
The reimagined 57m² guest suite offers a serene and functional living space inspired by the Renaissance legacy of Villa Medici and the vibrant cultural atmosphere of Rome. Featuring custom-designed furniture and carefully selected natural materials, the space reflects a minimalist yet warm aesthetic that respects the building’s original character.
- Project Name: Réenchanter la Villa Médicis
- Location: Villa Medici, Rome, Italy
- Surface Area: ~2,000–2,800 m²
- Completion Date: 2022–2025
Certifications
- ISO 9001:2015: Quality management systems
- ISO 14001: Environmental management systems
- EMICODE EC1/EC1+: Emission classification for construction products
- REACH Compliance: EU chemical safety regulation
- LEED/BREEAM: Support Green building certifications
The Isola project at Villa Medici in Rome is a distinguished renovation that redefines seven guest rooms and two historic gardens. Led by Studio Sabourin Costes in collaboration with Ideal Work France and ID Instinctif Design, this project elegantly fuses architectural heritage with contemporary design and artisanal craftsmanship. The reimagined 57m² guest suite offers a serene and functional living space inspired by the Renaissance legacy of Villa Medici and the vibrant cultural atmosphere of Rome. Featuring custom-designed furniture and carefully selected natural materials, the space reflects a minimalist yet warm aesthetic that respects the building’s original character.
The renovation included removing partitions, redesigning the staircase, and custom furniture by Sabourin Costes and Estampille 52.
Ideal Work France’s materials were essential:
- Terrae® Natural Lime: A breathable plaster that regulates humidity and prevents mold, with a textured finish inspired by Villa Medici’s historic walls.
- Microtopping® Polished Concrete: A thin, durable cement coating that adds a sleek, water-resistant surface, perfectly complementing the minimalist design.
Nearly 180m² of these coatings were applied, combining durability with respect for the heritage site.
Launched in 2022, this ambitious initiative by the Académie de France à Rome aimed to restore and reimagine the Villa Medici’s interiors and gardens. The project blends Renaissance heritage with contemporary design, involving renowned creatives like:
- India Mahdavi: redesigned historic rooms with bold geometry and color
- Kim Jones & Silvia Venturini Fendi: refurbished reception salons
- Mobilier National: provided heritage furnishings
- Bettencourt Schueller Foundation: supported arts and crafts excellence
Bostik was involved in the technical execution of the refurbishment, particularly in:
- Flooring and wall treatments: Supplying low-VOC adhesives compatible with historic surfaces
- Preservation-sensitive bonding: Ensuring materials could be applied without damaging original architecture
- Custom adhesive solutions: Supporting the integration of modern materials with centuries-old structures
Their participation reflects Bostik’s growing role in heritage restoration, where precision, sustainability, and reversibility are critical.
The renovation of Villa Medici using Bostik products contributed to the successful transformation of 6 guest rooms and 2 historic gardens, enhancing both aesthetics and structural integrity while preserving the site's heritage.
- Flooring and wall treatments: Ensuring secure, long-lasting installation of new materials without damaging historic surfaces
- Moisture control and subfloor preparation: Critical in a centuries-old building with varying humidity and structural challenges
Low-VOC and reversible adhesives: Ideal for heritage sites where preservation and environmental safety are priorities
Sam Stourdzé, Director of the French Academy in Rome: “Réenchanter la Villa Médicis is about opening the doors of history to contemporary creation. It’s a dialogue between past and present, between heritage and innovation.”
India Mahdavi, Architect and Designer: “I wanted each room to be a story, a dream, a place where the Renaissance meets the imagination.”
Mobilier National (via project statement): “This is not just restoration—it’s reinvention. We’re bringing craftsmanship and design into a living monument.”
Low-VOC and Solvent-Free Formulations
- Ideal for occupied or sensitive environments like historic buildings
- Improve indoor air quality and meet strict environmental standards
- Reduce health risks for installers and occupants
Compatibility with Historic Substrates
- Bostik adhesives are engineered to bond with aged, porous, or delicate surfaces
- Suitable for stone, terracotta, wood, and lime-based plasters
- Allow for reversible applications when preservation guidelines require non-permanent solutions
High Bond Strength with Flexibility
- Provide durable adhesion even under thermal expansion or structural movement
- Essential for buildings like Villa Medici where materials shift subtly over time
- Maintain integrity without cracking or delaminating
Fast Curing and Easy Application
- Reduce installation time and minimize disruption in active cultural sites
- Compatible with modern tools and traditional craftsmanship
- Allow for precise control in detailed restoration work
Sustainability and Eco-Design
- Many Bostik products are bio-based or recyclable
- Support LEED/BREEAM certifications for green building
- Align with the circular economy goals of institutions like the Académie de France à Rome
Moisture and Thermal Resistance
- Critical in old buildings with variable humidity and temperature
- Protect against rising damp, condensation, and seasonal shifts
- Extend the life of both adhesives and bonded materials