Architect-Designed Loft in Historic Florence with Suspended Indoor Pool
“People don’t just enter a house—they step into a work of art,” says Stefano Tozzi, a Florentine architect with a distinguished career including work with renowned international studios like Natalini and Arata Isozaki, and collaborations with Daniel Libeskind and Zaha Hadid.
Tozzi, co-founder of AE5 Partners, returned to Florence in search of a project and discovered a former 19th-century theater tower, later repurposed as a sawmill, near Piazza Santo Spirito. Though the space initially seemed “horrible,” its soaring 40-foot height sparked his imagination. Over 1,400 detailed drawings later, Tozzi envisioned a residence blending art and architecture, inspired by the organic spontaneity of Tuscany’s historic centers.
The standout feature of the space is a 20-ton transparent-bottom pool, inspired by the Molitor Piscine scene from Life of Pi. Suspended above the living area, it filters light, creating mesmerizing patterns below. Supported by reshaped theater arches, the pool is an evocative, poetic addition that acts as a secondary skylight.
“As I stood there, an image from the film Life of Pi suddenly came to mind. I thought of the scene where the protagonist’s uncle is in a public swimming pool. At one point, he dives in, and the camera captures him swimming slowly through the clouds. I lingered on that image for a while and then suddenly said to myself, “I need to create a pool in this space—a suspended pool that allows light to reach the ground.” It would act as a second window, a secondary skylight that complements the roof opening while also serving as an evocative and poetic feature within this space.”
Stefano Tozzi Architetto, written, directed and edited by Veronica Citi (Video)
Built almost entirely by hand, Tozzi relied on only a retired craftsman friend and basic tools like a 1960s miter saw to craft every detail. The self-supporting steel staircase, clad in solid teak, winds through the three levels, embodying the modular principles central to Tozzi’s work.
Walls clad in polycarbonate honeycomb panels lend a modern aesthetic, while warm teak tones dominate the interiors. A dining table, crafted from walnut Canaletto and Calacatta marble, slides open to reveal a hidden sink, merging functionality with elegance. Every detail adheres to a precise modular scale, reflecting Tozzi’s commitment to simplicity and harmony.
The triple-height living room creates a dynamic sensory experience, with light filtering through the suspended pool. The master suite includes a freestanding bathtub, private gym, Turkish bath, and overlooks the indoor pool and a vertical outdoor garden—rare features in Florence’s historic center.
Complete with custom furnishings from brands like CEA Design and Gaggenau, Tozzi has transformed this former theater into not just a home, but a living masterpiece that merges history, design, and craftsmanship.
Photo by Pietro Savorelli e Deep studio.
