ENTRY

Welcome to Common Ground – where belonging and connections begin their journey. The entry marks the meeting point of the past and present. With the new structure standing inside the abbey within the historical walls, leaving them untouched.

Warm tones combined with natural, tactile materials create a space that feels grounded and inviting. The spiral staircase in corten creates a focal point and depth, with a rhythmic spatial flow from the windows out to the abbey’s courtyard.

FLOORPLAN GROUNDFLOOR

COMMUNITY LOUNGE

A place to gather and the first meeting point for connection. An open, adaptable space that can be used for discussion, events, or simply as a place to recharge. Divided into three levels with three ways of connecting.

A warm color palette that reflects the landscape and original materials of San Galgano. Earthy tones, diverse stone textures and muted fabrics create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

MULTIPURPOSE LIBRARY

The space is designed to create a sense of calm focus. The ceiling acts as a nest, bringing comfort and togetherness. Light flickers through the windows from the outdoor courtyard, creating a dialog between inside and out, past and present.

The library serves as a common space for reading, studying or informal meetings. With a modular furniture structure, the space can also function as a space for guest lectures and events. A flexible environment that suits both individuals and collective learning. A space designed for learning, connections and reflection.

ANNOTATED ELEVATION

HERB GARDEN

Surrounded by the historical walls, columns and the open sky, the garden becomes a space where the old and the new merge togheter. Seasonal herbs brings scent, color & texture. Light moving through the space changing the light and rythm through the different seasons.

The herb garden is a shared space where visitors can take part in hand-on moments. Herbs to use in the cooking workshop, the market and to support learning about seasonality. It becomes a space where people meet through small actions, creating awareness and connection.

SECTION BB

STAIRCASE DESIGN

Entering the new building from the courtyard, the staircase immediately guides movement toward the outdoor and cooking workshops. It functions as a clear and intuitive element of circulation, organizing the interior from the point of arrival.

The material palette combines perforated metal stair treads, concrete walls and corten steel handrails, drawing inspiration from the atmosphere of San Galgano while maintaining a contemporary expression. Integrated lighting along the handrail subtly highlights the geometry of the stair and supports wayfinding without visual excess.

COOKING WORKSHOP

This is a place to join togheter - cooking as one. With food beeing the connector and brings us new connections and creates a sense of belonging. With an access to the common courtyard where food will be shared participants can gather fresh herbs to use in the cooking classes.

The cooking workshop is designed to accommodate 8–16 participants. The space is organized around two kitchen islands, each providing four individual workstations. Every station is equipped with a stove, integrated storage, and a ventilation system concealed within the stone worktop. Open shelving ensures easy access to tools and ingredients, supporting a clear, efficient, and well-organized workflow suited for both teaching and collaborative cooking.

FARMERS MARKET

After a day of learning and connection, the market invites people to purchase the food created here, a small memory of the place itself. A calm athmosphere where tactile materials, natural colors togehter with the historical walls creates an grounded space that invites to meet and slow down.

The market works as a place to gather seasonal products; harvested from the garden and produced in the workshop. With adjustable shelf system to display seasonal products.

SHELVING SYSTEM & ACOUSTIC PANEL DESIGN

The shelving is a modular system that adapts to shifting seasons and changing harvests. It aswell functions as an acoustic panel, improving the sound quality within the historic stone walls of San Galgano.

WATER COLLECTOR PERGOLA

The pergola is designed to collect and redirect rainwater on-site, supporting a self-sufficient water cycle and strengthening the project’s connection to the surrounding landscape.

TECHNICAL DRAWINGS