The Restoration of a Historic Sicilian Residence

Tucked away in the heart of a Sicilian town, this 19th-century townhouse was rich in potential but weighed down by years of unsympathetic alterations. False ceilings, terrazzo floors, and heavy finishes had dulled its character.

But beneath the layers was a story worth telling—and a home ready to be reborn.

Architects Ignazio Buscio and Gabriella Anzelmo approached the project with a light touch and a clear vision: to let the original architecture shine while adapting the space for contemporary living. The result is a stunning, understated fusion of old and new—made possible in part by the seamless integration of ECLISSE’s flush-to-wall solutions.

Respecting the Past, Designing for Today

All non-original elements were carefully stripped away, revealing vaulted terracotta ceilings and original cement tiles. These authentic features now anchor the space in history, giving the home a sense of soul and place.

The architects then reimagined the layout, creating an open, flowing floorplan that connects the kitchen, living room, courtyard, and rooftop terrace. 

Why ECLISSE?

To maintain the sense of continuity and calm, the architects selected ECLISSE Syntesis systems. These are not just doors—they’re architectural tools that disappear when not in use, letting the architecture take center stage.

Syntesis® Line Hinged Doors: Flush-fitting, with no visible frames or architraves, these doors blend into the wall, delivering a clean, contemporary look—perfect for heritage properties where visual disruption is unwelcome.

Syntesis® Line Sliding Doors: Used to divide private areas like bathrooms and bedrooms only when needed. When open, they vanish inside the wall cavity, preserving openness and flow.

Syntesis® Areo Flush Panels: Concealing technical spaces like the pantry, laundry, and storage cupboards, these minimalist hatches are almost invisible—offering full utility without visual clutter.

“We chose solutions that were non-invasive and nearly invisible, so they wouldn’t steal the show from the building.” — Architect Ignazio Buscio

Throughout the house, whitewashed walls meet the warm texture of exposed brick and original vaults. Large windows fill the space with daylight. Nothing feels imposed. Everything feels intentional.

The living area now flows seamlessly into the courtyard and terrace, which together create a natural extension of the home. Inside, subtle architectural moves—like pivoting glass doors and concealed sliding panels—allow residents to shape their environment as needed, without sacrificing beauty for function.

Project: Restoration of a Historic Sicilian Townhouse

Location: Urban centre near Palermo, Sicily

Architects: Ignazio Buscio & Gabriella Anzelmo

Completed: 2024

ECLISSE Products Used: Syntesis Line battente, Syntesis Line scorrevole, Syntesis Areo