How two architects refurbished a 12th-century palazzo in Genoa, Italy

The main room of the renovated palace in Genoa, Italy combines the living room, dining room and kitchen. — Photos: ANNA POSITANO and GAIA CAMBIAGGI/Studio Campo/The New York Times

Matteo Rocca and Ronan Dunphy peered into the gloom on the second floor of the 12th-century palazzo in Genoa, Italy.

This had once been the grandest part of the seven-storey palace, with the highest ceiling, the tallest windows and the most elaborate painted decoration.