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Architects: David Perri
- Area: 180 m²
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Photographs:Peppe D’Urso
Text description provided by the architects. This renovation of a building from the 18th century is one of the few examples of architecture survived at the 1908’s earthquake in Messina, Sicily. The new project preserves all the existing elements from the past.
The marble stairs, the handmade concrete floor tiles, the roof with its wood trusses, the structural braces that after the earthquake served to keep the building safe. Since the entrance is already clear how this house is linked to a traditional way of living from the past. In the 18th houses and shops were often in the same building.
A long staircase indeed leads from the ground floor to the upper level where the family use to live. The main element of the interior space is certainly the tall roof with its wood trusses that floods the entire space with light through the 4 new skylights. The recovery of the roof was an opportunity to build new lofts thanks to the considerable height obtained. The main space has double height and contains several elements that interact smoothly. The entrance with its long staircase, the living area and TV, the dining area with its generous table, the linear kitchen partially hidden, the gallery studio overlooking the double height that can also be used as a guest room. The main bedroom has two different levels and once again an exciting double height. The groundfloor is a non-conventional and relaxing open space.
Conceived as a small SPA with a large walk-in closet and the Water area which includes two wash basin and a large shower open to the room. These elements come together in a unique space that becomes a real relaxation area where you can rest, read, think and take care of yourself. The upper part of the bedroom hosts the sleeping area overlooking the lower floor. Another large bedroom is on a loft above the kitchen. From the living area and the kitchen you can access to a large terrace of 60 sqm laid out on two different levels. Part of the terrace is shaded by a metal trellis which also hosts a large counter, as a kitchen extension, that creates a continuous between interior and exterior spaces.
Natural materials and soft colors have a perfect dialog with the history of the building. White walls, plywood furniture, hand planed parquet floors, white metal stairs and gray resin surfaces for bathrooms and kitchen create a relaxing atmosphere within the 180 square meters of the house.
