Tuscany Hotel alle Dune

The call of the sea, of sand and waves, is the common thread running through the Tuscany Hotel Alle Dune in Castagneto Carducci (Livorno), designed by Hub 48 Studio by Bonfante Interior Contractor. The goal was to recreate indoors the feeling of being immersed in the Tuscan coastline. “These are not themed environments,” says Sofia Bonvicini, interior designer at Hub 48, “but conceptual representations of marine elements, such as the white and blue herringbone flooring in the rooms that geometrically recalls sea waves, the wood tones that evoke the color of sand, and the white that reflects the light.”

The spaces, from the hall to the rooms, are compact yet functional: “Before developing the concept,” Bonvicini continues, “we started by analyzing the existing spaces, redistributing volumes, demolishing and rebuilding partitions to optimize the layout. In the hall, we studied flows and functions to define operational areas (bar and reception), aiming to enhance structural elements—for example, we placed benches between pillars or tables in the corridor: functional elements that become aesthetic. In the rooms, we tried to enlarge the bathrooms, especially the showers and countertop areas.”

Ceramic tiles were widely used in the hotel interiors. “We needed fresh, tactile products with glossy contrasts, vibrant colors, and a hand-glazed look that allowed for creative installation. Ceramic was the key tool to interpret the concept.” Hub 48 chose the Slow porcelain stoneware collection inspired by traditional terracotta in the Rafia décor (120x120 cm format), whose engraved decoration enriched the hall and bar floors and the walls of bathrooms and other common areas with graphic motifs and refined contrasts. This texture is made possible by Marazzi’s 3D Ink Premium Technology, which gives extraordinary material realism thanks to the perfect match between graphics and surface structure. The Crogiolo Scenario series, inspired by traditional Mediterranean majolica tiles (20x20 cm format), was used in a herringbone pattern for the room floors and as wall covering in the bathrooms. The small-format tiles with a super glossy glaze from the Crogiolo Lume collection were used to enhance the bar wall in a special basketweave pattern and also appear as cladding for the planter cabinet at the entrance, showcasing the material’s versatility.

“Ceramic,” Bonvicini concludes, “is a very versatile material and especially advantageous for the hospitality sector due to its durability and long lifespan, as well as its ability to adapt to multiple design solutions. In terms of sustainability, in addition to being a natural material, its longevity certainly reduces maintenance time and costs, avoiding frequent replacements and helping to reduce waste and scrap production.”

Ph. Matteo Serpi