Stefano Tozzi’s Converted Theater Tower Home in Florence Lists $16M

Florence’s Santo Spirito neighborhood receives a bold reinvention with Stefano Tozzi’s conversion of a 19th-century theater fly loft into a nearly 6,500-square-foot modern residence. The project honors the building’s industrial bones while introducing refined materials and dramatic verticality.

Clever spatial planning shapes the home. Completed after six years of hand-built work, the residence unfolds across three levels beneath 43-foot ceilings.

Mezzanines are linked by a custom teak staircase designed by Tozzi. A living wall injects greenery into the interior.

A suspended, cantilevered pool serves as a luminous centerpiece. This feature reframes how light moves through the space.

Project overview and design intent

The transformation is set within Florence’s historic center. Tozzi aimed to create a family residence that remains intimate yet expansive.

The design turns an industrial loft into a refined domestic environment. The original character of the building is preserved.

Architectural strategy and materials

• Converted a cavernous theater fly loft into a three-level home with nearly 6,500 sq ft of living space
• Three levels rise under dramatic 43-foot ceilings, enhancing vertical volume
• Mezzanines are connected by a bespoke teak staircase designed by Tozzi
• Material palette combines walnut wood, Calacatta marble, and translucent panels to temper the industrial skeleton
• A living wall brings nature indoors, softening the industrial language with greenery

Warm materials are woven into the robust structure to create a balanced atmosphere. The design feels both contemporary and timeless.

Daylight bounces through translucent panels. Floors, countertops, and joinery provide tactile richness.

Engineering feats: the pool and structural challenges

The residence’s centerpiece is a suspended swimming pool with a transparent base. It hovers above the main living area, creating shifting light effects and dramatic visibility from multiple levels.

Engineering this leak-proof, cantilevered pool was the project’s greatest technical challenge. Rigorous waterproofing and careful load considerations ensure long-term safety.

The suspended pool: a translucent centerpiece

The pool’s transparent base turns water into a light sculpture. Daylight and artificial illumination refract through the water, creating cinematic moments.

This effect, reminiscent of scenes from The Life of Pi, shows how architecture and water can shape atmosphere. The setting blends historic character with modern design.

Interior experience and spaces

Inside, the program blends wellness, entertainment, and intimate living areas. The spaces respond to contemporary urban lifestyles and respect the building’s scale.

Primary suite and top-level social spaces

The primary suite includes a dedicated fitness area and a Turkish bath. This creates a private wellness loop within the home.

The top level hosts a bar and cinema lounge. These areas provide a social anchor for gatherings.

• Wellness emphasis in the primary suite
• Top-level entertaining spaces to maximize views and light
• Strategic mezzanine circulation to optimize sightlines and privacy

Location, privacy, and access

The residence is located near the Basilica of Santo Spirito and the Palazzo Pitti. Despite its central location, it offers privacy through a secluded patio and a secure garage.

This combination of accessibility and seclusion makes the home suitable for buyers who value both urban proximity and retreat-like calm.

Tozzi, who previously collaborated on Milan’s CityLife project, has lived in the house with his family for several years. The architect is now ready to market the property as a landmark conversion and a private home with contemporary performance.

Market status and listing details

The residence is listed with Savills. It is represented by Luca Cerutti and Donatella Gagliano for €13.5 million (approximately $16 million).

The listing highlights the unique combination of architectural ambition, craftsmanship, and location found in this Florence transformation.

 
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