Icona Architetti Associati has created an exceptional duplex in the center of Milan, recovering the attics of a historic building. The project has created a new and welcoming space, juxtaposing fluid and convivial architectural elements with the definition of a staircase-sculpture.
Icona Architetti Associati has created a unique residential project in the heart of Milan, recovering the attics of a prestigious XNUMXs building. Thanks to a renovation work and the lowering of the attic threshold, it was possible to create a completely new and welcoming space.
A young couple had long wanted to live in a historic building in the center of Milan. Fortunately, Icona Architetti Associati was working on the restoration of a XNUMXth century apartment building that perfectly met their expectations. The possibility of exploiting the generous attics under renovation to create an additional level made their dream of a duplex apartment with an attic area and a super-attic come true.
The access to the house is on the fourth floor and is characterized by an environment that is almost completely white, with the exception of an L-shaped load-bearing wall in the center of the volume. Icona has been able to exploit this structural constraint, transforming it into one of the central design elements of the entire residence.
The project develops around three main architectural solutions, united by a fundamental principle of style. The key elements of the design include the great fluidity of the dynamic and convivial spaces, the fading of the threshold between inside and outside and the sculpture-staircase that develops as the fulcrum of the vertical axis.
A distinctive aspect of the project is the use of the combination of two different elements on every occasion. This style exercise, called binatura, is based on the union of two different materials, two colors or two shapes, creating a symbiosis and a balance that goes beyond the sum of the single elements.
The entrance to the apartment is characterized by a box covered with a dark and material wallpaper, which acts as an interlocutory space then introducing the spectacular natural light of the living area.
The living room and kitchen occupy the entire floor, creating a large space with no interruptions interspersed with partial partitions that give rhythm to its rhythm. The transverse walls facing north and south have been painted burgundy to accentuate the chromatic contrasts, while the walls facing the courtyard and terrace are left white to blend in with the large windows and dissolve in the light.
In the living room, a large baroque frame in gold leaf, inherited from the clients, has been integrated into the wall, as a pendant to the brass Atollo lamp on the piece of furniture. The marble sofa and dining table dominate the center of the room, custom designed along with many other details of the home. The green velvet sofas harmonize with the nature present on the terrace, while the coffee tables and the dining table represent a new combination of marble and wood.
The kitchen area is also characterized by the combined use of different materials, such as granite and teak, creating a warm and bright environment. The extra-large glazing of the terrace, which extends along the entire length of the facade, helps to create an atmosphere of continuity between inside and outside, while guaranteeing exceptional privacy.
The spiral staircase represents the third key element of the project, characterized by the combination of the white and transparent ribbon of the metal parapet and the solidity and warm walnut tone of the steps. The shadow and the suspension generated by the detachment of the steps from the wall emphasize the three-dimensionality of the structure, which appears almost sculptural.
Upstairs, in the penthouse, a wall covered with wallpaper hides the entrances to the bedrooms, while the slope of the roof can be perceived along the entire level, creating accentuated cuts in the master bedroom. Here, one of the cuts houses a sitting room dedicated to yoga and meditation, with a breathtaking view over the rooftops of Milan.
Even the bathrooms, with their impeccable design, feature the combination of different materials such as walnut, dark marble and burnished brass.
This residence is characterized by the combination of simplicity and superb craftsmanship in every environment. The spaces are clear and linear, but at the same time full of complex details. The balance and grace with which the different solutions merge give the project a value that is greater than the simple sum of its parts.
project info
PROJECT
Penthouse and super penthouse in Porta Venezia- Milan
YEAR: 2021
ASSIGNMENT
Architectural project
Executive project
Artistic direction
Construction supervision
Custom furniture design
Lighting design
Outdoor and Garden design
DESIGN TEAM
Federica Poggio and Marco Orto
LIGHTING PROJECT
Icona Architetti Associati in collaboration with Black out
Spotlight entrance lamps: Oty Light
Living room lamps: Rotaliana
Lamp above the table: Flos – Noctambule
Kitchen lamps: Flos – aim
Floor lamp: Flos – Taccia
Lamp on living room sideboard: O Luce – Atollo
Freestanding sofa lamp: unique prototype - Ostuni for O-Luce
Corridor spotlights: Ego Luce
Staircase lamp: Flos- parentesi
Master bathroom lamps: Oceano Oltreluce – Custom painted
Lamp above sideboard: Artemide – Dioscuri
Master bedroom bed wall lamp: Nemo tubes
Master bedroom wall lamp: Artemide Melete
Terrace lamps: Bega
Children's room wall lamps: Artemide
COMPANY FURNISHINGS
Dining area chairs: Bontempi
Kitchen chairs: Bontempi
Sliding windows: Internorm in collaboration with Gorlini windows
Doors: Ferrerolegno
Handles: Olivari
Kitchen: Florim – Top and niche Miele appliances structure – iaa design
Master bed: Urushi – Futon in ebony
Master bathroom: Fantini taps and fittings Antrax radiator Arbi bathtub Cadorin Group wall cladding and wall tiles Gres Italgraniti
Terrace: Bizzotto – Sofa, small sofas, table, chairs
White vases: Lizart – iaa drawing
Terrace pergola: Practical
CUSTOM FURNITURE
Dining room table: Based on iaa design Materials: Marble and wood: made by Falegnameria Buila in collaboration with tecnograniti
Kitchen: Custom designed iaa Florim stoneware and wood materials: made by Buila carpentry
kitchen table: Based on iaa design in collaboration with Falegnameria Buila
Coffee tables in the center of the hall: Designed by iaa materials in wood and marble in collaboration with Falegnameria Buila
Walk-in closets: Designed by iaa in collaboration with Falegnameria Buila
Staircase: Designed by iaa in collaboration with Falegnameria Buila
Bathroom cabinet: Cadorin Group + Italgraniti: based on iaa design in collaboration with Falegnameria Buila
Sofa: Based on iaa design in collaboration with Colombo furnishings
RESTROOMS
Sky ceramics
Fantini Group
Arbi
Italgranites
WALLPAPERS
Admission: élitis
Corridor: Zoffany
Bedroom: Borastapeter
FLOORS
Internal parquet: Cadorin Group
External floor: Deco
PHOTOGRAPHER
Monica Spice
