Casa M+D is a renovation and redevelopment project of a historic mid-19th-century residence located in Monte di Procida (Naples), set within the unique, layered landscape of the Phlegraean Fields. This territorial context, rich in historical and geological value, becomes an integral part of the project’s architectural narrative.
The entire apartment spans 36 square meters, which increases to 46 square meters with the addition of the mezzanine. The original structure, featuring load-bearing masonry and a pavilion vault, is interpreted not as a constraint, but as a spatial infrastructure upon which to graft a new contemporary language.
Spatial Composition and Materials
The building organism consists of volumes added and nestled into one another, clearly defining the entrance, bathroom, and kitchen—all accessible from the entry staircase. This compact, layered volumetric composition creates a fluid and organic spatial sequence.
The stone-effect porcelain stoneware flooring reinforces the dialogue between material memory and contemporary style, providing visual solidity, perceptual continuity, and functional surfaces.
The "Total" Architectural Device
In the large vaulted main room, the project culminates in a single architectural gesture: a bespoke wooden artifact that breaks into the space, becoming its functional and compositional heart. This monolithic element simultaneously serves as:
TV cabinet
Wardrobe
Staircase
Mezzanine
Sleeping area
By resolving the entire living system in a unified and coherent way, this "total device" organizes the space, governs its functions, and establishes a strong, recognizable identity.
Details and Chromatic Strategy
The Entrance: A custom-made bar cabinet houses a wine cellar, transforming the access point into an "inhabited threshold"—a functional and convivial space that immediately introduces the home's design character.
The Bathroom: Access is marked by an external wooden sliding door with a concealed track. This small, vaulted room is cleverly nestled above the entrance stairs.
Color and Carpentry: Custom natural birch cabinetry interacts with open-pore lacquered elements in air force blue and metallic details in coral red. These bold yet welcoming color combinations convey freshness and energy without compromising the perceptual balance of the space. Here, color is a design tool, not mere decoration.
Conclusion
The result is an interior architecture project that fuses historical memory, territorial identity, spatial innovation, and "sartorial" (tailor-made) design. Casa M+D is an evolved example of micro-living, where a single design gesture resolves spatial complexity and functional needs into a clear, powerful, and coherent form.
