For this renovation and conversion of an old laboratory to a residential use situated into a typical yard in the heart of Milan’s center, the brief was to bring back to life the original bare structure of the house and try to maintain it visible as much as possible. The whole space, walls and ceiling, had been covered with anonymous white board for the past decades, so the challenge was an extreme work of restoration of the bricks and the wood ceiling which had been badly deteriorated with time. Ground floor excavation and sanification works added to this complex restoration.
Starting from raw contemporary and sustainable materials of high quality as concrete, wood, steel, iron, glass and leather, we added to the original structure dating back to the 18th century. The project develops over 300 square meters, 200 on ground floor level and 100 on the mezzanine level, where open but separated spaces create a perfect balance between scenographic effect and functionality.
The original brick arches articulate the ambient, across a series of diagonal visual perspectives that allow simultaneously full view across the space by maintaining privacy where necessary.
The layout is clearly organized to separate day and night areas with open space filters like kitchen and studio, so to allow compenetration but also separation.
The loft develops on two levels directly connected to each other through the central core of the house with the stainless steel and oak staircase, located in the circular concrete structure. It is around this slick solid drum where all circulation happens.
High-quality craftsmanship and technology combine themselves to create a very attractive and efficient space.
In all the meticulous attention to details, shapes and solutions, all edges are rounded where possible, including the one of the casted concrete walls, to give fluidity to all movements, to the touch and to the eye.
Team:
Architects: Tomoarchitects
Lead Architects: Tommaso Fantoni
Photographer: Matteo Piazza
Photo stylist: Giovanna Baseggio
Materials used:
1. DGA Mirium - Integrated lights
2. Devon and Devon - bathroom furniture
3. Caleido Ceasar - bathroom heater
4. Enrico Cassina - window handles
