Casa Flora was conceived during an initial research phase in the summer of 2015, when Gioele Romanelli and Diego Paccagnella, together with architect Matteo Ghidoni and Stefano Micelli began to envision the space and build a local network, drafting the first pieces of furniture in collaboration with manufacturing companies. During this phase, a group of six design students from institutions including New York’s Parsons School of Design, Milan’s Domus Academy, and Venice’s IUAV were invited to Venice for a design residency under their guidance.
An initial feasibility study, followed by a detailed executive plan and a period of engineering, design, and construction development for both interiors and furniture, brought Casa Flora from the drawing board into reality. Many typical Venetian elements were reinterpreted throughout the project by Matteo Ghidoni and interior designer Laura Sari. These include the grain texture of the basins, reimagined in a contemporary key, and the green stone used for the kitchen countertop, evoking the historic interiors of lagoon homes. The project also features Rubelli fabrics—renowned worldwide for Venetian textiles—handmade Murano glass accessories, and bespoke elements such as the dining table and briar wood doors.
Throughout the development process, Casa Flora also took on new meanings: it became a space where local design companies could work together, young designers could showcase their expertise and talent, and emerging chefs could reinterpret traditional dishes in contemporary forms.
After two years of work, Casa Flora finally opened its doors as a project aimed at breathing new vitality into the contemporary city. Within months, it expanded to include bespoke services, cultural events open to the city, and collaborations with local design workshops, international designers, chefs, artisans, and creatives.
