Palazzo Donà Giovannelli

Description

Palazzo Donà Giovannelli is an imposing 15th-century noble residence in Venice. Its facade, composed of a series of seven finely sculpted windows, makes it one of the most beautiful examples of Venetian Late Gothic style in the city. After a period of neglect, the palace was acquired by the Arsenale group, which has transformed it into a luxurious 5-star hotel to be managed by the prestigious Orient Express brand.

The meticulous restoration project has combined the preservation of historical elements, such as original frescoes and decorations, with a contemporary and elegant design. When it opens to the public in 2026, the building will offer 47 rooms, suites, and apartments, restaurants led by Michelin-starred chefs, and a bar inspired by the golden age of train travel.

To frame this blend of art, history, and modernity, an ad-hoc Building Energy Management System (BEMS) was designed to integrate seamlessly with the historic structure. Tekni Post created an intelligent control solution: an architecture based on network-connected controllers designed for the comprehensive management of technical rooms, air handling units (AHUs), climate control in common areas, as well as the monitoring of electrical panels and the integration of special systems. The integration of all control units under the Arena supervision platform (based on Niagara) has created a unified and coordinated system that allows for real-time monitoring, data logging, and detailed energy analysis.

This cutting-edge system ensures the preservation of a unique asset by constantly monitoring the environment while simultaneously optimizing energy efficiency. It demonstrates how technological innovation can act as an invisible guardian, protecting history and making the building’s management simpler and more sustainable.