The initial instinct was to give new life to the pair of windows in the apartment and to gift it to the main space of the house. One of these would fill the entrance with light, and the second would be revealed as soon as you crossed the threshold, guiding the eye to a diagonal view, the longest possible.
We wanted to articulate the space, together with its degrees of intimacy, through the simplest possible gesture: a white curtain wall (which thinks it is a screen) as it moves closer or more distant to the external walls, hides the secluded space of the bathroom, draws the spatiality of the dinette, and finally becomes the shelter of a small and welcoming alcove. The planes on which we step change in these three spaces, with the aim of taking care of their proportions.
The apartment is located in the inner section of a 1920s building in the center of Milan, and is the result of a daring subdivision that took place in the 1980s.
The apartment features two windows that overlook a quiet courtyard filled with three magnolia trees. These windows are positioned high enough to frame a piece of private sky, creating a serene and intimate atmosphere. The hustle and bustle of the city fades away beyond the courtyard, providing the guests with a sense of tranquility and calm. The peaceful setting, combined with the beautiful view, makes this apartment a true urban retreat in the heart of Milan.
Our design revolves around maximizing space efficiency without sacrificing comfort. The apartment's layout is orchestrated around two key windows overlooking a serene courtyard, framing a piece of sky and infusing the space with natural light—an essential element in our concept.
A central feature is our flexible white curtain wall, which dynamically divides and connects different zones—such as the bathroom, dinette, and alcove—allowing for privacy or openness as needed. This architectural element not only defines spatial boundaries but also enhances the apartment's visual depth and fluidity.
Furnishings play a pivotal role in our design philosophy. Each piece is carefully chosen for its dual functionality, adapting seamlessly to various needs throughout the day. For instance, our kitchen doubles as a cinematic space, while a round dining table transforms into a wall art piece when not in use, demonstrating our commitment to multifunctionality and aesthetic versatility.
Materiality is another cornerstone. Wood and metal are employed thoughtfully, highlighting their natural textures and reflective qualities to amplify light and create a harmonious atmosphere. This deliberate material palette extends to bespoke details like the ruby-tinted bathroom tiles and the crafted floor, which unify the space while expressing our unique design sensibilities. Beyond functionality and aesthetics, our project embodies a serene ambiance, promoting a calm retreat within the bustling urban landscape.
The square meters are 21, just over a double bedroom according to conventions. But conventions and metrics do not make a home. What is really needed? How much can be removed from a system of objects, functions and symbols while leaving the idea of home and the comfort it provides us intact? The primordial refuge is not much more than a hearth and a protected space for rest. But if the refuge moves downtown, then it needs an additional space, one consecrated to the spirit of the city. It consists
ATOMAA is an Italian architectural firm based in Milan (Italy) and Edinburgh (UK), specialized in Domestic Spaces, Micro Living, Residential Developments and, in general, the human scale of Modern Life and Architecture.
The practice was founded in 2018 by Andrea Del Pedro Pera, Cesare Galligani and Umberto Maj. ATOMAA is formed from a fifteen-year friendship between the three partners and the union of their three architectural firms. ATOMAA is Architecture and Interior Design. The studio takes care of the architectural design and the coordination of the key aspects of the project, in order to propose synthetic visions for unique inhabitable spaces. ATOMAA aims to create a unique relationship between people and architecture, allowing people to live better in their environment.