This is the project of a renovation of an apartment downtown in Rome. The formal element was characterized during the execution of the works, where "L " placed in the space define areas and functions. The house is located in Garbatella quarter, on the top floor of a building of the fifties with an inner distribution that was affected by the rigid design of those years. So the plan has been transformed into an open-plan , keeping the praticality of an individual space thanks to a system of retractable walls .

The design choices are made around the concept of light and creation of a suitable microclimate . Some windows endow the walls with cuts and disarticulation ; a greenhouse , water tanks and open cuts allow a continuous air flow.

Sliding doors recall, in form and color, the walls , creating a false wall which deceives the eye.

Doors, measuring over 2.5 meters,  put in communication entry , study, dining area and lounge.

Corridor, bigger in the original dimension, is illuminated by the living room who raised above the floor of the corridor , has a number of windowed bands, designed to facilitate air circulation as well as to create a long glass support in line with the glass wall of the kitchen.

In the dining area, windows narrow and high , typical of the fifties , are been flipped in a long and low band with exterior views filtered by a greenhouse built into a recess , the central pillar has been disguised by mirrors that allow a visual on a picturesque view.

Above the windowed band compartments with openings are obtained, all framed in a white box inside the wall. It is separated from  paving and ceiling with a “L” shaped recess.

one wall is red slate stone, from there a waterfall feeds the pool inserted into the stone bench. The same wall seems to go through a wall mirror hidden in the indention.

 

Going up three steps from the dining area to the living area: the atmosphere is warmed by the presence of the fireplace and lit by a wide sliding window with a bamboo screen.

 

We use the difference in height to design a utility room accessible from the hallway where each element assemble what has been called the "Aztec wall": hidden flaps become a plinth with zen garden. The glazed cuts and mirrors lighten the texture of the wall and light up the narrow corridor.

 

The masonry continues turning into the dining area where the base, getting up, becomes shelf with some more openings and another set of hidden doors.

 

The study is defined by a masonry shell that contains closet for guests,

The light flows through the windows and a sliding door, its presence, by open, it is not perceivable.

All the designed bookshelves reduce the impact of book piles through some projectiones and nooks.

 

Merbau wooden flooring continues throughout the house.

The bathroom is 13 square meters, “L” shaped space. The lifted up part is sand-colored ceramic granite slabs with toilet. The shower room is the filter area, with a bigger second half.

Here the resin wraps around the glass sink and the mosaic bath tub (with whirlpool bath and lighting).

Two mirrors redouble  windows  and depth, giving the idea of being in a beautiful  hammam.