Sonder Building Milano features Ariostea ceramic surfaces
Marking the arrival of the hospitality brand in the city, the Sonder Building on Milan’s Corso di Porta Romana has been transformed by Angus Fiori Architects, featuring Ariostea surfaces throughout its interiors.
With eight above-ground levels and nearly 3,000m2 of space, the building – formerly the Lloyd Hotel which was originally built in the late 1960s – has undergone a complete renovation, now boasting 38 modern luxury suites and apartments, along with a restaurant, fitness centre and a range of ancillary spaces.
The comprehensive renovation project, carried out with sensitivity to the surrounding context, was preceded by an analysis of the entire Corso di Porta Romana area to ensure an organic and harmonious integration.
The project involved a complete renovation, including demolition and partial reconstruction of the above-ground structure, while meticulously preserving the original outline, the existing architectural alignments and adhering to local landscape constraints.
A key objective of the project was sustainability, pursued through the careful selection of materials and technologies based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) analysis. As such, the building has achieved LEED Gold certification, awarded by the Green Building Council.
The focus on quality and sustainability is complemented by a dedication to interior well-being, with spaces designed to offer a welcoming yet sophisticated atmosphere. To meet the high standards of the project for cladding various interior spaces with surfaces that combine aesthetic appeal and outstanding technical performance, Angus Fiori Architects chose Ariostea for its high-tech ceramic surfaces.
In the lobby and shopping area, large Ultra Marmi Grey Marble slabs were used to create a sophisticated welcome for guests, while also ensuring the durability and easy maintenance required by high-traffic environments – qualities intrinsic to Ariostea’s porcelain stoneware.
Particular attention was paid to the bathroom spaces, recognised as key elements in shaping the guest’s perception of comfort and design. In line with architect Fiori’s vision, the interiors reflect a careful balance between contemporary style and references to the rich tradition of Milanese and Venetian architecture.
To achieve this, a combination of surfaces was chosen to create an elegant visual dialogue: Pietra Basaltina and Pietra Basalto Moka, used as wall coverings, were paired with Full Body3 porcelain stoneware slabs, featuring the Accademia Venetian terrazzo effect in the colour variants Bellini and Tiepolo, which evoke the understated luxury of aristocratic palazzos.
Ariostea’s technical ceramics were chosen not only for the expressive quality of their textures, but also for their outstanding performance. Water resistance, stain and chemical resistance, hygiene and ease of cleaning are essential features that ensure lasting beauty, functionality and durability over time.
The result is a series of spaces where thoughtful design and Ariostea’s technical ceramic surfaces come together, offering a harmonious blend of elegance, reliability and functionality.
