From Fantini Mosaici with Ab+Ac Architects, a sensory innovation that transforms one of Italy’s most iconic surfaces into an olfactory experience, opening new paths for contemporary design

A terrazzo you can breathe. This is the vision behind the new project developed by Fantini Mosaici in collaboration with AB+AC Architects—a multisensory reinterpretation of one of Italy’s most iconic surfaces, now infused with fragrance to unlock fresh creative potential in interior design.

The scented terrazzo blends artisanal mastery and chromatic research with an immersive sensory experience that goes beyond sight and touch. Enriched with natural essences—including eucalyptus, incense, and wood notes—the surface slowly releases evocative scents, transforming interiors into living, emotional environments.

Crafted using a refined selection of multicoloured marbles—Rosso Verona, Rosso Francia, Verde Ming, and Giallo Siena—this reinterpretation maintains all the compositional and technical qualities of traditional Venetian terrazzo while adding a new experiential layer. The result is a visually and sensorially rich material, ideal for high-impact contemporary projects: from boutique spaces and spas to hotel lobbies, private homes, and immersive environments.

From sculptural walls to monolithic fireplaces, each application becomes an opportunity to explore the connection between nature, architecture, and wellbeing.

With this pioneering innovation, Fantini Mosaici reaffirms its role as a visionary in reimagining traditional materials, pushing the boundaries of luxury interiors and setting the stage for a new kind of design that engages all the senses.

Fantini Mosaici

Fantini Mosaici, established in Milan over 124 years ago, is one of Italy’s most prestigious artisanal surface brands. Renowned for its exquisite mosaics, terrazzo, and pebblestone work, the firm’s creations adorn luxury boutiques, homes, hotels, and presidential palaces worldwide. From Milan to Miami, and Abu Dhabi to Los Angeles, Fantini Mosaici handcrafts bespoke, high-quality floors and surfaces for prestigious projects, collaborating with leading architects and designers such as Peter Marino, Rem Koolhaas, Gianni Gamondi, Michele De Lucchi, and Pierre-Yves Rochon.

As a fourth-generation family-owned company, Fantini Mosaici is dedicated to its craft, heritage, and niche techniques. Founded by mosaic artisan Domenico Fantini in 1900, the company is renowned for its handmade, customised surfaces that epitomise ‘Made in Italy’. The firm maintains exceptional standards using materials and techniques that trace back to ancient Rome and Greece. Over the years, traditions and knowledge have been passed down, blending traditional handcrafts with modern technology such as precision water jet cutting to produce contemporary artisanal surfaces for the luxury sector.

As a global leader in bespoke mosaic artistry, Fantini Mosaici’s master artisans bring vibrant ideas to life using materials like marble, glass, and gold, employing techniques such as Venetian Mosaic and Palladiana. They also create luxury terrazzo floors, columns, and bars, ranging from classic plain surfaces to intricate designs with patterns, marble inserts, and custom decorative borders for both interior and exterior spaces. The pebblestone technique features natural stones from Northern Italy’s rivers or coloured marble cuts, highlighting unique textures and shapes. These are used to embellish exterior driveways, pathways, and grand entrances to hotels, palaces, and luxury villas.

In addition to exceptional craftsmanship, Fantini Mosaici operates a seamless process of design, procurement, manufacture and installation, starting with its in-house design studio, which is central to the business. The unparalleled expertise of the design team is evident in their approach: the majority of the design process is performed by hand before being digitised. The team translates clients’ and architects’ inspirations into detailed technical shop drawings, conducts research, and recommends the best materials for each project. These qualities and the personal relationship with clients set the firm apart and contribute to its unwavering success and client loyalty.

AB+AC Architects

AB+AC Architects is an international, multidisciplinary studio pioneering a new paradigm in spatial design by integrating architecture, neuroscience, and well-being. Founded in Lisbon during the pandemic by Arianna Bavuso (Italian) and Andre Chedid (American-Lebanese), the studio brings together over a decade of experience from acclaimed firms such as Aires Mateus, Gehl Architects, Vector Architects and Buro Ole Scheeren.

The studio approaches each design commission as a multi-sensory experience, shaping environments that engage sight, sound, touch, and even scent to enhance emotional and behavioral well-being. Their work spans immersive installations, wellness centers, cultural spaces, and private residences, all designed to enhance emotional and behavioral well-being. Recent projects include art installations for BMW Middle East and Fantini Mosaici, as well as the award-winning OHL Lisbon, a cultural hub for restoration through art, movement, and education.

Rooted in neuroscience and the psychology of space, the studio applies a research-driven methodology that begins with defining the emotional and functional needs of users. By integrating natural materials, biophilic elements, adaptable layouts, and sensorial cues, AB+AC creates spaces that foster calmness, focus, and connection. Each project is developed with a deep awareness of context, cultural identity, and future adaptability, ensuring that the environments they design not only serve present needs but also evolve with the people who inhabit them.

Beyond architecture, AB+AC engages in wellness consulting, public talks, and research collaborations with cultural organisations, academia, and leading wellness brands. With a philosophy rooted in sensorial awareness, adaptability, and sustainability, the studio envisions a future where design becomes a catalyst for personal growth and collective well-being.