Architects: R3architetti
Area: 60 m²
Year: 2019
Photographs: Marco Popescu
Manufacturers: Bolon, Dott. Gallina, Matteo Brioni
Lead Architect: Gian Nicola Ricci
Contractors: AMIC Costruzioni
City: Turin
Country: Italy
The C’era Una Volta Apartment, designed by R3architetti, is situated on the main floor of a mid-19th-century building. The renovation project focused on balancing contemporary living needs with the historical elements of the apartment. A key feature is the large masonry vault, now fully exposed after removing layers of false ceilings, revealing parts of original frescoes. A translucent polycarbonate partition separates the living and sleeping areas, allowing for a full view of the apartment. The service areas, including the bathroom, kitchen, and walk-in closet, are housed in a lowered, minimalist white volume that contrasts with the ornate ceiling fresco, highlighting the interplay between ancient and modern design elements.
Situated on the main floor of a mid-nineteenth-century building, the apartment originally consisted of several fragmented rooms, each shaped by different periods. The project sought to restore and preserve key elements of the original layout.
The primary objective was to address the challenging interaction between modern living requirements and the historical structure. A large 5.5m x 8.5m masonry vault, previously concealed by layers of false ceilings, was fully uncovered, revealing sections of original frescoes.
A translucent polycarbonate partition separates the living area from the sleeping area, allowing a clear view of the apartment’s entire enclosed space. The door frames were realigned to follow the original layout of the house, highlighting the traditional passage from room to room without corridors. All service functions, including the entrance, bathroom, kitchen, and walk-in closet, are contained within a functional volume set lower than the exposed vault.
The service volume is designed as a pure white architectural element, contrasting with the ornate and vibrant ceiling fresco. This juxtaposition emphasizes the relationship between the ancient and the contemporary, with each element reflecting the era it represents. As a result, the spaces within the service volume, such as the bathroom and kitchen, are defined by strict minimalism.
Project Gallery
Project Location
Address: Turin, Metropolitan City of Turin, Italy
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
