The apartment, located in the historic center of Milan, is the result of a subdivision of a larger home. The project combines conservative restoration with precise contemporary additions, designed to highlight the distinction between old and new elements.
The central feature is the mezzanine, a lightweight structure with a thickness of 4 cm, designed to maximize vertical space. A HEB steel beam, aligned with the original ceiling projections and stucco, spans the living area. A 45-degree rotated pillar plays a dual role: it reduces the thickness of the beam and marks the boundary between the entrance, the living area, and the kitchen. Positioned at the intersection of the original flooring patterns, it creates a clear dialogue between the historical and contemporary elements.
The bathroom has been relocated near the entrance, and its original space has been covered with a new resin floor hosting the kitchen.
The mezzanine, constructed in steel and wood, cantilevers 70 cm on top of the primary structure, enhancing the perception of lightness.
An iron staircase connects the sleeping area to the ground floor. Its design, based on a semicircular plan, intersects the mezzanine and serves as both a structural element and a guardrail, with all components necessary for its functionality, eliminating excess.
Year
2024
Location
Milan, Italy
Client
Private
Project
SOLUM
Collaborator
Gian Mario Vecchiato
Surface
41 sqm
Contractor
Bernardelli Costruzioni
Disca
SM Arredi
Photography
Nicolò Panzeri
The apartment, located in the historic center of Milan, is the result of a subdivision of a larger home. The project combines conservative restoration with precise contemporary additions, designed to highlight the distinction between old and new elements.
The central feature is the mezzanine, a lightweight structure with a thickness of 4 cm, designed to maximize vertical space. A HEB steel beam, aligned with the original ceiling projections and stucco, spans the living area. A 45-degree rotated pillar plays a dual role: it reduces the thickness of the beam and marks the boundary between the entrance, the living area, and the kitchen. Positioned at the intersection of the original flooring patterns, it creates a clear dialogue between the historical and contemporary elements.
The bathroom has been relocated near the entrance, and its original space has been covered with a new resin floor hosting the kitchen.
The mezzanine, constructed in steel and wood, cantilevers 70 cm on top of the primary structure, enhancing the perception of lightness.
An iron staircase connects the sleeping area to the ground floor. Its design, based on a semicircular plan, intersects the mezzanine and serves as both a structural element and a guardrail, with all components necessary for its functionality, eliminating excess.
Year
2024
Location
Milan, Italy
Client
Private
Project
SOLUM
Collaborator
Gian Mario Vecchiato
Surface
41 sqm
Contractor
Bernardelli Costruzioni
Disca
SM Arredi
Photography
Nicolò Panzeri
SOLUM is an architecture office based in Milan established in 2019 by Mattia Agates, Lorenzo Campagna, Filippo Gismondi and Alessandro Loda after their graduation at the Accademia di Architettura di Mendrisio, (CH).
The studio works with a diversity of projects at various scales from urban planning to interior projects. It has participated in several national and international competitions, also in collaboration with other architects, winning some prizes and awards.
SOLUM is also involved in research and education activities as design teaching assistants at the Politecnico di Milano and Accademia di Architettura di Mendrisio USI.
Mattia Agates, Rome 1994
He graduated in 2019 from Accademia di Architettura di Mendrisio USI, in Switzerland. In 2015, he worked for Al-Jawad Pike Architects in London. In 2017, in Mendrisio, he founded the student association Concreto and Archealizar, a studio for the realization of images of architecture and design. In 2019 he founded SOLUM. From 2024 he’s teaching assistant at Accademia di Architettura di Mendrisio USI.
Lorenzo Campagna, Rome 1994
He graduated in 2019 from Accademia di Architettura di Mendrisio USI, in Switzerland. In 2015, he worked for Manuel Aires Mateus in Lisbon. In 2017 he worked for Itten Brechbuhl in Lugano and in Mendrisio, he founded the student association Concreto and Archealizar, a studio for the realization of images of architecture and design. From 2019 he’s teaching assistant at Politecnico di Milano and from 2024 at Accademia di Architettura di Mendrisio USI. In 2019 he founded SOLUM.
Filippo Gismondi, Milan 1994
He graduated in 2019 from Accademia di Architettura di Mendrisio USI, in Switzerland. In 2015, he worked for Manuel Aires Mateus in Lisbon. In 2017, in Mendrisio, he founded the student association Concreto and Archealizar, a studio for the realization of images of architecture and design. From 2019 he’s teaching assistant at Politecnico di Milano. In 2019 he founded SOLUM.
Alessandro Loda, Desenzano 1994
He graduated in 2019 from Accademia di Architettura di Mendrisio USI, in Switzerland. In 2015, he worked for HKS Architects in London. In 2017, in Mendrisio, he founded the student association Concreto and Archealizar, a studio for the realization of images of architecture and design. In 2019 he founded SOLUM.
Collaborators
Laura Acanfora, Alberto Allevi, Giovanni Battocletti, Silvia Beretta, Niccolò Calabrese de Feo, Giulia Grifoni, Gian Mario Vecchiato