Monteverdi, Tuscany

Zita, Monteverdi Tuscany

Light that interprets Tuscan excellence

Zita, the contemporary osteria designed by Foster + Partners, enriches the historic village of Castiglioncello del Trinoro with a unique sensory experience. Nestled in the heart of the Val d'Orcia, the architecture interacts authentically with the Tuscan landscape, striking a balance between past and present.

The project respected and enhanced the original features of the building, maintaining the exposed beams, brick ceilings, historic walls and existing arches, while integrating new openings to make the spaces more fluid and functional. The project was completed with careful and discreet lighting, for which DGA supplied fixtures in key areas of the restaurant, enhancing textures, materials and geometries with precision and consistency.

Light at the service of matter

Zita is an environment that blends Tuscan authenticity with a contemporary vision. Brick vaults, stone arches and Trani stone floors coexist with modern furnishings in local leather, reclaimed wood and Cipollino marble.

The lighting design, by Foster + Partners, fits in seamlessly, interpreting the architecture with discretion and refinement. The colour palette, inspired by the Tuscan countryside – from the green of cypress and olive trees to the warm tones of Siena – is enhanced by targeted lighting solutions, integrated invisibly but spectacularly.

Lighting technology for a unique experience

For this project, DGA supplied a selection of high-performance products capable of enhancing materials, surfaces and architectural geometries with precision and consistency, contributing to the creation of an atmosphere rich in depth and detail.

Each fixture was chosen to ensure perfect integration with the material choices and to provide an immersive visual experience, in line with the studio's overall concept.

Bar and counter: accents, depth, atmosphere

In the bar, the visual and functional hub of the restaurant, the lighting is designed to create depth and enhance the textured surfaces. Tono B Micro track spotlights (9W, 10°, 2700K/4000K) provide precise accents, while Armonia Linear Lens profiles (16W/m, 40°, Dynamic White) dynamically backlight the rear of the counter, following the natural rhythm of light throughout the day.

The bar counter, made from a single block of Cipollino marble and handcrafted by an artisan from Carrara, highlights the striking natural green veining. Nesis IP67 Solovetro uplights (6W, 10°, 2700K) discreetly sculpt the wall arches, contributing to the creation of a refined and immersive atmosphere.

Rooms and tables: control and flexibility

In corridors and dining rooms, lighting adapts to service requirements, offering maximum flexibility. Tono B Micro projectors, with power ratings from 3W to 9W and optics from 3° to 50°, allow precise light management: spot lighting on tables, diffused lighting or wall washing on walls.

The versatility of the fixtures adapts smoothly to the different configurations of the room, where historical and contemporary elements coexist – such as the custom-designed banquette by Foster + Partners with traditional metals and leather.

The wine room: a stage for wine

The wine room is one of the most spectacular rooms in the project. Here, lighting plays a decisive role in creating atmosphere and depth. Continuum IP40 projectors (30W/m, 10°, Dynamic White) backlight the wall of bottles, transforming it into a functional and iconic luminous backdrop.

The front displays, illuminated only when necessary thanks to Armonia profiles with opal covers (25W/m, 2700K), emit a diffused, velvety light that blends perfectly with the wood and stone cladding. Nesis IP67 uplights emphasise the masonry arches, creating a three-dimensional effect that enriches the spaciousness of the cellar, dedicated to tasting and telling the story of the territory.

Niches and details: invisible miniaturisation

The sculptural niches are illuminated by Nano Tini i recessed luminaires (1W, 20°, 2700K), chosen for their minimal visual impact and their ability to highlight shapes and volumes with precision. The light accompanies the gaze without disturbing it, emphasising every architectural detail and contributing to the overall sobriety of the environment.

Light that tells the story of the place

In Zita's project, light is not decoration: it is a narrative and functional element, a discreet presence that brings coherence to the whole. All the fixtures supplied by DGA fit precisely into the architectural design, enhancing the value of materials, shapes and perspectives.

The result is a harmonious lighting experience that interprets the culture of the place, in a project built with locally sourced materials and a strong focus on sustainability.

Lighting Design: Foster + Partners

Photo: Nigel Young e Aaron Hargreaves/Foster + Partners

DGA products: Tono B Micro, Nesis Solovetro, Armonia, Continuum IP40, Nano Tini i