“Pampered in Luxury”

Sliding fixtures in the Gabbiano Bar, Hotel Cipriani, Venice

This project concerned the creation of a series of complex fixtures which divide the internal part of the Gabbiano Bar (at Venice”s Hotel Cipriani) from the poolfront external part.

We are referring to a complex system, more than 16 metres long, composed of two sliding spans with a single shutter, over 4 metres long, and a central span, also sliding, constructed in 4 parts. All of the parts which can be opened function with a sliding upraising system, carefully dimensioned for lights and also for considerable weights. In an open position, the fixtures slide into the pockets built for them, carved into the pilasters of the walls, exactly overlapping the adjacent painted surface, closed by fixed glass panes.

This results in a fluid space, without any sharp separation of the internal settings and the external space, thanks also to the draping system which shades the entire area between the facade of the bar and the swimming pool. The 4-part central span was created above the counter of the bar which, being located in the line of demarcation between inside and outside, may be utilized both with closed fixtures (only from inside) and with open fixtures (double face).

As a whole, the closing system appears as a new skin placed over the existing facade. This skin also redefines the eaves channel which collects rain water from the sloping roof of the bar, hiding it from view. All of the wooden elements are in laminated larch wood. The colouring of the fixtures and of all the complementary parts was created on customer request, in order to ideally harmonize this with pre-existent colouring. The finish of the surface was achieved with varnishes, certified as being non-toxic water-based.