Locanda la Concia | EligoStudio

The building, a long-standing possession of the owner's family, had deteriorated significantly, with a cracked roof and heavily damaged floors. Motivated to restore the structure, the owner drew inspiration from Graanmarkt 13 in Antwerp, a multi-concept space featuring a restaurant, a fashion store, and a penthouse apartment designed by Vincent Van Duysen. The vision emerged to implement distinct concepts on different floors, leading to the idea of a locanda—a place for hospitality and a restaurant, historically used by travelers as a stopping point for the night.

Returning home, the owner researched the feasibility of such a project in Italy and embraced the locanda concept for the town of Reggio Emilia. Originally dubbed a boutique hotel, the realization struck that a locanda was more fitting for the locale. Locanda La Concia officially opened its doors to guests in May 2022.

With a background as an interior designer and architect, boasting two decades of experience and a studio in Milan, the owner undertook the interior design personally. While setting up the restaurant and hospitality aspects posed initial concerns, confidence prevailed in the design domain.

Locanda La Concia blends contemporary and traditional elements, retaining the building's architectural tradition with wooden beams and clay construction. The restoration aimed to preserve the original character, adapting the narrow structure to suit hotel rooms. The interior design introduced a contemporary twist, evoking a balance between tradition and modernity.

Described as an "Italian riad," reminiscent of Marrakech's aesthetic, Locanda La Concia conceals a new world behind its unassuming exterior. A narrow building transforms upon entering, offering a unique and enchanting experience for guests.