The project was born to respond to the spatial and functional needs of the clients and was developed analysing different functional and aesthetic solutions. The clients wanted their house to feel contemporary, yet to respect the historical value of the property; furthermore, the interior should fit a collection of ancient and modern books and a big piano dating back to the early 20th century. The property was characterized by wonderful ceiling frescos and by coloured marble tiles on some of the floors. But it enjoyed scanty natural light.

The lighting issue led the architects to carve new openings within bearing walls; by taking advantage of facing windows and by enlarging the openings connecting the main rooms, they eventually managed to maximise natural light. The operation also allowed to introduce a contemporary layout - characterized by open space living areas - while respecting the historical identity of the house, that was a residential building from the early 20th century distinguished by a sequence of interconnected rooms.

Contemporary taste also emerges in the choice to paint internal walls in light tints; this further improves lighting and highlights the frescos on the ceiling vaults, which have been restored and light up with a system of diffused lights. The coloured marble flooring in the living room was maintained too and emphasized through the contrast with the grey resin floor that spans across the rest of the apartment.

The connection between the living room, the music room and the study has been shifted to the perimetral wall, allowing to introduce a long bookshelf spanning across these three spaces and serving as unifying element.