Transforming a 17th-century palazzo, once abandoned by the public administration, into a modern student residence is a challenge that brings together history and innovation. We interviewed Mr. Bettarello to find out how the Bird Box House project in Ferrara came about: a restoration effort lasting months, designed to offer young students a turnkey solution complete with every comfort and service.
The first meeting took place during a particularly complex period: the Covid pandemic. “We chose Maxhotel Contract for the consistency of their vision,” explains Mr. Bettarello. “Being able to count on a company from a region with a strong furniture-making tradition like Veneto made all the difference. They assured me that every complexity would be handled on time and as agreed — and that is exactly what happened.”
The main challenge lay in the structural constraints of the historic building. In this context, contract design proved essential: every element was custom-made to fit the palazzo’s spaces with millimetre precision, maximising the efficiency of the common areas without sacrificing comfort. The logistical proximity also reduced the risk of delivery delays.
One aspect that surprised Mr. Bettarello was the constant presence of our staff: “It is not common to find such availability, both from management and from the on-site teams. Maxhotel Contract was a strategic asset, able to mediate with the external architects at critical moments. What’s more, the team on site made the work easier for all the professionals involved, ensuring a constant presence.”
This was not a classic hotel project: it embraced a fresh, welcoming style, designed for enterprising young people. The creative heart of the project was the kitchen: a custom-made piece inspired by the crenellated towers of the Este Castle, the result of close collaboration between designers and craftsmen.
Watching the project come to life was remarkable. The transition from drawing to reality was lightning-fast. “Seeing the kitchen fully assembled was incredible,” says Mr. Bettarello. “In the space of an afternoon, the structures were lifted into place and the room went from being a construction site to a finished space.” The use of custom furniture made it possible to correct the irregularities typical of historic buildings, perfectly harmonising the furnishings with the surrounding architecture.
According to Mr. Bettarello, what sets us apart is a combination of sophisticated craftsmanship, punctuality and transparent communication. These are the values that made it possible to transform a 17th-century palazzo into a residence of excellence, ready for the challenges of the future.
