The Nunziatina Chapel / Qu

Light, a key element in shaping the perception of an architecture, also takes on, when it comes to sacred spaces, the nodal role of creator of atmospheres that foster spirituality and contemplation. This was the basis for the delicate restoration and conservative repair, carried out by the architecture and design firm Studio 63, of the Nunziatina Chapel, a small historical and architectural jewel, listed by the Superintendency of Archeology, Fine Arts and Landscape.

Immersed in the splendid setting of the Tuscan countryside, on the Terrabianca estate in Radda in Chianti, the Chapel, built in the Middle Ages, has a single nave and the façade preceded by a portico open on three sides. Qu – founded as a spinoff of Quick, a leading company in the lighting design of yachts and superyachts – collaborated with Studio 63, thanks to its technological and manufacturing know-how, on the lighting design, which involved all the external and internal Chapel’s elements.

The lighting design

The lighting design of the portico, turned into a dramatic large lantern in the evening hours, highlighted the voids through the light of the Ondaled Top 10 flexible recessed bars for the arches and of the Centro Midi Tondo floor spotlights in AISI 316L stainless steel that frame the striking panorama. Here, also three Dorotea suspension lamps – the elegant model designed by Studio 63 and characterized by an aluminum body mechanically machined to house a high CRI LED source – have been placed as a prelude to the interior, where two rows of these lamps mark the wooden trusses of the gabled roof from the entrance to the altar and sacristy, embellished with wall frescoes.

The new lighting system, which has been carefully designed in every detail – explained Massimo Dei, founder of Studio 63 – delicately integrates into the environment, enriching the atmosphere. Even the centuriesold pines surrounding the Chapel, illuminated with Centro Midi Tondo spotlights, and the small bell gable on the left corner, illuminated with some Rocchetto P IP adjustable outdoor spots, were part of the lighting design with the aim of creating strokes of light that invite the passer-by at sunset to come closer and discover the historicalartistic beauty of the intervention.

• Location: Radda in Chianti, Tuscany, Italy
• Architect: Designed by Massimo Dei, founder of Studio63
• Lighting: Qu
• Photographer: Pietro Savorelli