The apartment’s existing layout although well arranged, is assessed as rather unpractical, not taking fully advantage of the capabilities of the space. With just a few changes in the partition walls it is possible to transform the existing apartment to a bright, modern and flexible space. The big dark corridor in the middle evolves from a simple go-through space to a well lit central area of the house, similarly to a vestibule in Renaissance palace. This “vestibule” is part of the larger open living area which also comprises the kitchen, living room and bedroom, spanning throughout the apartment from north to south.
At the very entrance, our attention is caught by a living green wall, which opens itself towards the kitchen. Using the principles of biophilic design, such natural elements enhance the well-being and freshness of interior spaces. The entrance to the main living area is corniced with see-through book shelves enhancing the visual contact between both ends of the apartment. In the middle of the axis, the prominent dining table and chairs as the centrepiece of the room, with elegant hanging lights above it. The composition continues with the seating area with two elegant “Woodline” armchairs and a minimal sofa, for example a smaller Lissoni sofa. Large indoor plants (for example the Sterilitzia Reginae), one next to the south facing terrace door, the other one on the diagonally adjacent corner, are places so that they can be seen and enjoyed from every part of the room.
A large sliding door connects the living room and the master bedroom. An element reminiscent of traditional Japanese houses is chosen to bring lightness and flexibility to the layout. When open, the main living area becomes an interconnected space, bathed in sunlight from both of the large south facing balcony doors. Behind the bed, on both sides there is access to a spacious walk in closet.
From the central “vestibule” we can access the bathroom, where elements are positioned on the installation wall. The walls and floor are tiled with large format (60x60 cm) beige tiles. A large mirror is placed on the wall opposite to the shower, virtually enlarging the narrow room.
The glass door at the end of the “vestibule” brings natural light to the core of the apartment. Through this door we access the service room, which is enlarged in comparison to the existing one and serves as an office and gym space. In the corners next to the balcony door an office desk and document shelf define the working area, but at the same time do not disrupt the use of the room for physical activities. On the back of the room, a full height large scale closet, together with other closets near the entrance, makes up for the loss of the storage room. Even a murphy bed for guests could be positioned inside of the closet.
The north balcony is seen more like a serviced space, with outdoor storage and possibility of planting small vegetables and spices next to the kitchen. The south balcony, as a logical continuation of the main living area is equipped with laying chair and a small snack table. On both ends of the balcony, two potted olive trees bring the surrounding Italian landscape to the balcony, while providing some natural shade and privacy in the morning and evening hours.
With just a few changes in the layout, the apartment becomes a flexible flow of spaces capable of changing character almost instantly. The timeless Cassina pieces of furniture can be fully appreciated in the open and light spaces of the living areas. Daylight finds its way to all the corners and natural elements such as plants and living green wall accentuate the connection to nature, improving the owner’s wellbeing and sense of peace.
