Located in Isola, one of Milan's most distinctive and vibrant neighbourhoods, this project by R2+ transforms a former sawmill into a contemporary loft through a complete renovation and interior design intervention. The residence is arranged over three levels—ground floor, mezzanine, and lower ground floor—connected by the original steel staircases, which were carefully restored to preserve the building's industrial character and heritage.

The ground floor is organised around a dramatic double-height living space illuminated by overhead skylights and overlooked by the mezzanine. This level accommodates the living area, an open-plan kitchen and dining space positioned beneath the mezzanine, and a bathroom with a walk-in shower. The mezzanine is dedicated to the sleeping area, featuring a double bedroom and a spacious walk-in wardrobe enclosed by frosted glass partitions. When illuminated from within, the wardrobe becomes a striking architectural feature, functioning as a glowing lantern that softly diffuses light throughout the loft.

To bring natural daylight into the lower-ground floor and reinforce the visual continuity between the three levels, a large opening was introduced into the ground-floor slab and enclosed with structural transparent glass. This intervention allows light to penetrate deep into the interior while establishing an uninterrupted visual connection throughout the home.

The lower-ground floor is dedicated to leisure and relaxation spaces, benefiting from natural daylight provided by glazed light wells as well as the large glazed opening above.

A restrained palette of neutral materials and finishes enhances the sense of brightness throughout the loft. Particular attention was devoted to the lower-ground-floor bathroom, where handcrafted ceramic tiles featuring traditional Arabic decorative motifs—collected by the owner during a journey through the Middle East—became the inspiration for the entire design. The space was conceived as an intimate domestic hammam, beginning with the distinctive entrance opening, whose profile recalls the characteristic arches of traditional Islamic architecture.