Zenit: 34 new apartments in Florence's Manifattura Tabacchi

From the redevelopment of the Manifattura Tabacchi in Florence comes Zenit, a new residential project consisting of 34 housing units with a sophisticated design that respects the industrial heritage. The architects from Quincoces Dragò & Partners have chosen to preserve the building's characteristic features while introducing contemporary elements through design choices focused on comfort and elegance. The completion of the Zenit project is expected by March 2026.

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This ambitious redevelopment plan is promoted by the real estate company of the Cassa Depositi e Prestiti Group and Aermont Capital, coordinated by MTDM - Manifattura Tabacchi Development Management Srl. The plan aims to restore the historic urban industrial area by 2026, transforming approximately 110,000 square metres into commercial and office spaces, cultural and educational areas, residential areas, hospitality, and public green spaces.

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Spanning an area of 4,800 square metres, plus an additional 1,530 square metres of rooftop, loggia gardens, and terraces, the redevelopment project preserves and enhances the original architecture, reinterpreting it in a contemporary and sustainable manner. Future residents of Zenit will have access to numerous exclusive amenities, including a fitness room, a workshop equipped for bicycle maintenance, a pet room dedicated to the care of pets, and a furnished communal rooftop of approximately 400 square metres.

Zenit is developed within the two wings of the entrance building to Manifattura Tabacchi, which used to house the management, offices, and lodgings of the old factory. Built between 1936 and 1940, the building, with its distinctive curvilinear shape, features a monumental portal decorated with original bas-reliefs by sculptor Francesco Coccia. This historical heritage becomes an integral part of the project's identity, starting with its name: Zenit is one of the cigarette brands that used to be produced at Manifattura Tabacchi. It is an emblematic term that encapsulates and preserves the original spirit of the place.

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The ground-floor apartments are spread over two levels, thanks to the exceptional height of the original spaces, which allowed for the creation of a new mezzanine floor. The living area extends outdoors into welcoming covered gardens or exclusive terraces. The first-floor residences, arranged on a single level, feature large private panoramic outdoor areas on the rooftop, accessible from the living area via a spiral staircase.

Inspired by the warm and earthy tones of tobacco, the colour palette is an explicit homage to the original production function of the former Manifattura Tabacchi. The walls and ceilings are covered in a creamy hue, conveying a sense of refined well-being; the oak wood floors, in the “toasted” finish of fermented or aged tobacco, enhance the enveloping atmosphere of the spaces. Some examples of internal stairs, a distinctive element of the interior design, are made of black metal, a material that serves as a common thread throughout all the buildings of Manifattura Tabacchi. Natural light floods all the spaces through large windows.

Zenit is designed according to the highest ESG and environmental sustainability standards and is a candidate for the BREEAM Excellent environmental certification. All the apartments, classified as A1 or higher, will be equipped with state-of-the-art technological systems and rainwater recovery and recycling systems. This is a cornerstone of the entire landscape project of Manifattura Tabacchi, designed by architect Antonio Perazzi. Quincoces Dragò & Partners has created private gardens and terraces for almost all the housing units of Zenit, in addition to a large communal garden on the building's rooftop.