Casa Italia, the new Chancery of the Italian Embassy in the heart of London
Fantini Mosaici handcrafts stunning mosaic for the lobby of Casa Italia, the new Chancery of the Italian Embassy in the heart of London
By Catherine Belbin
Visitors to Casa Italia, the new Italian institutional complex in the heart of London, are being greeted and guided by a stunning mosaic made by prestigious artisanal surface brand Fantini Mosaici. Specifically designed for the lobby, the bespoke creation sets a sophisticated tone while reflecting the building’s cultural significance as London home to Chancery of the Italian Embassy in London, the Italian Cultural Institute and the Italian Trade Agency (ICE).
The mosaic has been created with marble exclusively available in Italy, which was hand-cut in Milan and expertly hand-laid by Fantini Mosaici’s artisans. It was designed by the Formafantasma studio, with founders Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farresin inspired by the floors of the Teatro Filodrammatici in Milan. After immersing themselves in the historical archive of Fantini Mosaici, their design was then developed by Fantini’s Design Office, who subsequently translated it into the detailed floor pattern by refining every decorative and construction aspect. While the mosaic embodies the spirit of mid-century Italian design, using earthy yet bold and uplifting shades, it also responds to the space and its use.
The collaboration between Formafantasma and Fantini Mosaici centred on the concept of utilising the floor of the lobby as a guide. Yet, instead of imposing direction, the designers created a floor that would gently ‘accompany’ visitors through the spaces of Casa Italia. The finished floor utilises the flamed mosaic technique, which can also be admired in Fantini Mosaici’s Milan offices: marble tesserae are expertly orientated to create an organic, undulating flow reminiscent of flames. Their range of dynamic shapes and sophisticated tones, from gentle curves to vigorous swirls, and from pale pinks to deep, vivid reds, creates a chromatic and material ‘journey’ and infuses the space with warmth and character.
Yet this mosaic goes beyond the traditional flamed mosaic, which typically uses regular tesserae. In Casa Italia, every single piece is different from the next; each marble fragment was cut by hand and laid with millimetre precision to complete an intricate masterpiece
of the highest artisanal quality, combining historic significance, outstanding craftsmanship; and contemporary design.
Covering an area of 2,000 square metres across six floors, Casa Italia brings together diplomatic, cultural and trade offices under one roof, and represents the most significant real estate acquisition made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in the United Kingdom in recent decades. It provides a focal point for the promotion of Italy at economic, cultural, artistic and social levels.
Enrico Fantin, President, Fantini Mosaici said, “We are proud and honoured to have contributed to Casa Italia, a home for the very best of Italy and its rich cultural heritage, and a space that comprehensively promotes of our country and the components of the Italian system. The mosaic laid by our artisans has begun to greet visitors as our fourth generation family-owned firm marks 125 years of creation and craftsmanship and looks forward to continued success around the world.”
Casa Italia has been designed and curated by Nick Vinson, founder of Vinson&Co, who created striking interiors that reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage and feature art pieces, works and products from some of Italy’s finest designers, artists and brands. These include Piero Lissoni, Gio Ponti, Paolo Scheggi, Gianpaolo Pagni, Molteni & C, LSM, Cassina and Alpi, among many others.
