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Image credit: Chris Dalton
Zaha Hadid Architects has completed the transformation of an existing historic structure into a luxury hotel in Rome. Historically located via Via di Ripetta, Palazzo Capponi takes inspiration from the city’s architectural heritage and focuses on the evolution of vaulted ceilings from ancient Rome to the Baroque era .
Originally built in the 16th century, the palazzo has undergone several modifications over the centuries. In the 1950s, two wings were added and significant internal changes were made to accommodate office spaces, leading to the displacement and overpopulation of the 17th-century frescoes.
The collaboration between ZHA and luxury developer Romeo Design began in 2015, with the team rethinking the interior layout to create a fluid sequence of spaces from the entrance to the rooms. The original courtyard now serves as an arched lobby with a retractable glass roof, providing a central point for guests to access the grand staircase and gardens.
Unlike traditional hotel schemes that emphasize uniformity, Palazzo Capponi’s layout allows for a more individualized approach. According to ZHA, the team drew on Italian craftsmanship traditions and designed each room with bespoke elements inspired by the intersection of safes and intricate details. The hotel has 74 rooms and suites, each characterized by an interplay of materiality, light and form.
The restoration process faced structural challenges as the building’s historical significance required extensive strengthening work. To preserve the original walls, a second skin was added to accommodate modern amenities, with minimal impact on the historic structure.
During excavation operations, archaeologists discovered a previously unknown Roman workshop featuring Opus reticulatum masonry. To preserve the ruins, a large underground gallery was created that guests can access through a glass floor beneath the hotel’s swimming pool.
The interior design consists of a rich palette of materials, including Carrara Statuarietto, Nero Marquina Marble, Makassar Ebony and Cedar Wood. The spa aims to reflect a commitment to craftsmanship and luxury, with elements such as Sicilian rock salt and Moroccan tadelakt.
