Project name: Best Western Plus Hotel Universo
Location: Rome
Project by: KE PMO and Arch. Michele Arcarese
Client: Roscioli e Pallavicini Srl
Covered area: 190 sqm
Installed product: 4 Kedry Skylife bioclimatic pergolas + Line Glass closures and LED strips
Project description:
The Best Western Plus Hotel Universo, a cornerstone of Roman hospitality with roots dating back to 1900, has undertaken an ambitious rooftop renovation project. The Roscioli family, guardians of a long-standing tradition in Rome’s hotel industry since the 1920s, has firmly established Hotel Universo as one of the capital’s leading accommodation facilities.
The client’s main request was clear: to equip the panoramic terrace with an operable cover that would allow events and aperitifs to be organized in all weather conditions, ensuring protection from both bad weather and excessive heat. To achieve this goal, the property relied on the expertise of KE’s Project Management Office and the skills of Architect Michele Arcarese. The ambitious aim was to design an exclusive environment, sheltered from sun and rain, that would enhance the breathtaking view of the Eternal City without ever obstructing it.
For this project in Rome, the solution chosen was the Kedry Skylife bioclimatic pergola. This cutting-edge system allows the roof to be opened, enabling guests to enjoy summer evening aperitifs under the stars and enhancing the overall experience throughout the day. The structure, with its elegant and essential design, is equipped with retractable adjustable louvres that ensure maximum comfort. The ability to modulate the amount of filtered light and provide protection from the elements was one of the client’s top priorities. The convenience of remote-control operation, which allows the louvres to be oriented according to the sun’s position or closed completely in case of rain, was also a decisive factor in the selection.
To complete the structure, Line Glass panoramic sliding windows were installed. This track-mounted closure system, free of perimeter frames, delivers a “full-glass” effect that enhances the scenery, offering maximum design versatility and exclusive functionality. Entirely made in Italy, Line Glass guarantees reliability, safety, and clean design. Ideal for enjoying the pergola sheltered from wind, rain, and noise, it stands out for its compact dimensions and ability to maximize natural light, fostering continuous dialogue between indoor and outdoor spaces. To discreetly and elegantly illuminate the profiles of the structure, LED strips were integrated, framing the view over the rooftops of Rome with an unforgettable scenic effect.
The pergolas were selected in a matt white finish, chosen to blend harmoniously with the surrounding environment and create a sense of visual and spatial continuity.
The major rooftop project at Hotel Universo—covering nearly 200 sqm—represented a particularly complex and challenging task, given the unique characteristics of the setting. KE’s PMO office, with its consolidated expertise in delivering state-of-the-art solutions that combine technology, design, and research, ensured the client’s full satisfaction.
This success further strengthens KE’s position as a top-level partner in the hospitality, residential, and contract sectors.
