Place to be

Under the spectacular skylight, the lounge of the new Naos concept space, in Rome. The DJ booth, custom made by skilled craftspeople, is enhanced by an audio system designed by Simone Menassè and Oreste Palmarola of Audio Factory. Bespoke sofas and coffee tables, and vintage chairs by Pierre Jeanneret.

O n s t a g e i n Ro m e

Restaurant, mixology bar, music space and art gallery. In a former warehouse overlooking the Eternal City, Simone Menassè has designed a new space devoted to lifestyle

words by Francesca Benedetto — photos by Simone Picchi / p&p photography

In classical architecture, Naos meant Greek temple, or rather its inner part featuring the statue of the god to whom the building was consecrated. Today, it’s the name chosen for the latest concept space devoted to lifestyle created by Simone Menassè, already the designer and patron of Cohouse, the first Coffee Pot and the newly opened The Sanctuary, some of the most recent and innovative venues of Roman nightlife. After studying architecture, Simone shared ideas and strokes of genius with his partner Stefano Papa, designing places that combine the entertainment world with his passion for design. We’re in the Ponte Milvio area, inside a former electrical goods warehouse, now transformed into a restaurant, bar, a space for music and an art gallery. “The first time I visited the place I immediately fell in love with it”, says Simone. “The architecture is characterised by an exposed concrete perimeter wall that delimits a space of 600 square metres with a large terrace overlooking the city. Thanks to the work of talented craftspeople, we have highlighted the original building with its spectacular central skylight to create a liveable, comfortable and elegant space that simultaneously incorporates different activities: from exhibiting furniture and art objects to the contemporary Greek restaurant and the mixology bar. The brutalist structure has been softened and embellished though the inclusion of boiserie and natural walnut counters, travertine tables, furniture referencing 1950s design such as the vintage chairs and armchairs by Pierre Jeanneret, or the maxi modular 1970s leather sofa as well as a selection of my abstract paintings. In some ways, the project was a personal journey where I was able to experience a different and innovative approach, that of virtual reality. Before getting to the final solution, we processed every possible 3D configuration with Meta Arch studio in Rome. To be able to ‘traverse’ the space and visualise it finished, even before the works began, allowed me to make decisions that otherwise would have been impossible”. The space is divided symmetrically with a large living room at the centre, the undisputed hero besides the custom-made DJ booth enhanced by a bespoke audio system. One side features the restaurant area with travertine and marble tables in different shapes and sizes. These materials also feature on the horseshoe counter of the mixology bar, around which one can also dine. An elegant 1950s walnut bookcase converted into a wine rack grabs one’s attention. From inside the Naos, one accesses the terrace overlooking the neighbourhood’s rooftops. Here, the low sofas and wooden furnishings turn the outdoor space into a large living room with a view. An invitation to enjoy moments of relaxation among the camphor trees and the Mediterranean scrub, during Rome’s warm October evenings. —

Surrounding the bespoke walnut table, vintage chairs by Pierre Jeanneret and, on the wall, geometric shapes and minimalist lines on large decorative canvases by Simone Menassè. Opposite page, a corner of the restaurant, a tribute to 1970s style with lamps, serigraphs and an elegant, oval marble-top table.

“With the help of artisans and set designers, we transformed a former concrete warehouse into a concept space devoted to music, gastronomy and art”

Simone Menassè

Clockwise from above, a view of the Naos terrace overlooking the rooftops of Ponte Milvio, Rome. Relaxing chairs and sofas with a travertine base furnish the outdoor living area beneath the camphor trees. The bar counter is the place for entertainment par excellence: around the horseshoe travertine slab, one can savour cocktails, converse and also dine. Decorating the space is the vintage De Sede sofa with modular leather elements. Opposite page, the large skylight at the centre of the room projects the furniture’s outlines against the concrete surface. Bespoke sofa and coffee tables, vintage chairs by Pierre Jeanneret and, at the back, artwork by Simone Menassè. Some of the objects and artworks are available for purchase on site.