Amelia Tavella Architects has completed the rehabilitation and extension of the Convent Saint-François in Santa-Lucia di Tallano, Corsica. This historic monument, built in 1480, had long been abandoned and in ruins.

The designer expresses a belief in higher, invisible forces, stating that the Convent Saint-François embodies this belief. Originally a defensive castle, it later became a place of prayer and retreat for monks who recognized the site's profound beauty. Situated on a promontory, it overlooks the village and is surrounded by an olive grove—a metaphorical collar framing a garden of heavenly sustenance. In front lies the magnificent Corsican mountains, creating a religious and supernatural sense of beauty.

Nature has flourished within the building, with its growth transforming into a protective plant armor against erosion and collapse. A fig tree merges with the facade, while the wooden roots have become structural elements, replacing the original lime. Tavella honors the natural components that helped sustain the building until its revival.

The design approach reflects a harmony between the past and modernity, ensuring that neither is erased. Tavella appreciates the idea that the copper can be undone, representing respect for the past and Corsican heritage. The copper work, chosen for its softness and preciousness, complements the existing structure, capturing and reflecting light. This quality allows it to enhance the building's ambiance, sending light back to the sky like the prayers of monks and the faithful.

The copper direct light inward, diffusing it in a way reminiscent of stained glass windows in churches. This noble material transforms the space into an extraordinary experience, where sunlight dances and enriches the environment, creating a unique atmosphere that blends history with contemporary design.