Raf Simons creates dystopian neighbourhood with Kvadrat in Milan

StudioTamat, a Rome-based architectural firm, has undertaken the renovation of an 80-square-metre "villino" in the heart of Rome, situated within the courtyard of a late-19th-century building on Viale di Trastevere. The project, known as RA House, was designed to create a sense of spaciousness and vibrancy for a couple who split their time between multiple residences. The intervention strategically employs elements of color, transparency, and reflection to achieve this objective within the compact three-level property. The design ethos centers on amplifying spatial dynamism while maintaining a coherent aesthetic that nods to the existing charm of the villino and the lively Trastevere neighborhood. Architects Matteo Soddu, Tommaso Amato, and Valentina Paiola spearheaded the transformation, which involved a significant rethinking of the vertical arrangement of the house. A key modification was the replacement of part of the original first-floor mezzanine with a structural glass floor. This innovative feature establishes a direct visual connection between the ground-floor living areas and the bedroom located above, promoting a more open and integrated living experience. Further enhancing the feeling of openness, a void was introduced into this new glass floor, creating a double-height lightwell. This lightwell is complemented by a new window, allowing natural light to permeate deeper into the interior. Mirrored ceilings are strategically incorporated throughout the house, contributing to an illusion of expanded space and vertical infinity. These reflective surfaces work in conjunction with the transparent elements to dematerialize boundaries and make the relatively small footprint feel significantly larger. A central blue volume acts as a functional core, extending between two levels. On the lower floor, it neatly houses the kitchen and utility spaces, while on the upper level, it accommodates an en-suite bathroom. This clever integration of services within a unified volume optimizes space and maintains visual continuity. The circulation within the house is also thoughtfully designed; a bookshelf ingeniously doubles as a space-saving staircase connecting the two main floors, while a spiral staircase provides access to the second floor, which serves as a flexible study or guest room. In addition to these structural and spatial interventions, the project meticulously restored the art-nouveau-style stained glass, which now forms an orangery at the entrance, infusing the space with shades of green, orange, and yellow. New materials are introduced with a discerning eye, including Verde Alpi marble, which is prominently featured as a podium at the base of the chestnut wood staircase and on kitchen surfaces. Fluted glass is used for partitions in the upstairs en-suite, offering a degree of privacy while maintaining light and an open feel. The kitchen also showcases metal cabinets with an ombre effect, fading from rose-gold to black. The interior is furnished with a mix of contemporary and vintage pieces, including a concrete table, vintage Thonet chairs, and a custom-made bed, providing the final touches to a sophisticated and spatially efficient urban residence. The project successfully blends historical preservation with modern design principles, creating a functional, elegant, and seemingly expansive home within its compact Roman setting. #StudioTamat #RAHouse #RomeArchitecture #VillinoRenovation #GlassFloors #MirrorCeilings #SpatialDynamism #InteriorDesign #ResidentialArchitecture

Architect Tommaso Spinzi, originally from Como, Italy, and with a diverse international professional background, returned to Milan in 2018. There, he undertook the renovation of a 2,000-square-foot former workplace near the city center, converting it into his personal loft. The space, which he describes as a “white canvas,” previously served as a stable for postal service horses in the late 1800s before becoming an office. Spinzi's design approach for the ground-floor space involved preserving its industrial characteristics, such as tall multi-paned windows, concrete floors, and an open layout, while integrating softer elements, both vintage and new. His primary architectural alteration involved creating a passage beneath an existing mezzanine to establish a dining area, with the mezzanine itself repurposed into his bedroom. The loft's functional areas, including the kitchen, bathroom, living and dining spaces, library, and a garage for his 1983 Porsche 911SC, flow seamlessly, loosely defined by furniture arrangements. The design is characterized by an interplay of materials and textures, combining vintage and contemporary pieces, many of which are Spinzi's own creations. The thoughtful placement of artwork and strategic use of green accents, which Spinzi identifies as his favorite color, further personalize the space. Green is applied to walls, in upholstered furniture, and through foliage compositions, bringing natural elements indoors. A central theme in Spinzi's design philosophy is the integration of vintage furniture, which he uses to promote upcycling and celebrate Italian craftsmanship. For example, in the library, a 1960s Afra and Tobia Scarpa sofa in tobacco leather is paired with a vintage armchair, re-covered by Spinzi in emerald velvet, and his own marble Medusa stool. The space also features a 1970s Italian vanity mirror and one of Spinzi's abstract paintings. He emphasizes selecting pieces for their aesthetic value and Italian origin, rather than solely their designer provenance, incorporating several anonymous yet impactful items. The living area showcases this approach with shapely burnt orange-upholstered armchairs and a notable wooden soldier sculpture, whose origins are unknown but contribute significantly to the aesthetic. These are complemented by a 1970s Mario Bellini Le Bambole sofa, a drawing by Alessandro Paglia, and Spinzi's Origini console and cocktail table, both topped with greige terrazzo-like Ceppo. Spinzi, who has a preference for stone and metal, meticulously explores and enhances the inherent qualities of various materials in his work. His creations have been exhibited at the Rossana Orlandi Gallery in Milan, and his designs, along with curated vintage finds, are available through his online shop. The apartment also features light fixtures made of Murano glass, such as a large 1970s Venini chandelier in the bedroom, and a sculpture composed of stacked marble samples. Spinzi’s philosophy extends to the broader context of urban development, advocating for the repurposing of old structures rather than demolition and new construction. He views this as a way to respect the historical integrity and “soul” of buildings and cities, while simultaneously minimizing environmental impact. This conscious approach aligns contemporary concerns with enduring Italian design traditions, celebrating the resilience of Milan's architectural heritage, from its grand palazzi to industrial complexes. #MilanApartment #LoftConversion #TommasoSpinzi #ItalianDesign #VintageFurniture #IndustrialInterior #UpcyclingDesign #ArchitecturalRenovation #InteriorDesign #SustainableDesign

Milan, a city traditionally characterized by its quick-stop cafes and limited casual office spaces, has welcomed an innovative concept: Tenoha. This establishment, the second international location for the Tokyo-based concept, integrates a shop, cafe, event venue, and co-working space. Situated in a 2500 sq m former wallpaper factory from the 1930s in Milan's Navigli neighborhood, Tenoha presents a unique blend of Japanese aesthetics and Italian design sensibilities. The interiors, crafted by Milan-based Park Associati, deviate from a direct replication of Tenoha's original Daikanyama location. Instead, the design team aimed to create a space that evokes a contemporary Tokyo as imagined through an Italian lens. This approach, which involved experimenting with the design, was well-received by owner Hiroshi Sato. Michele Rossi of Park Associati emphasized the goal of merging Milanese and Tokyo influences, resulting in visuals that reference the vibrant Daikanyama scene while utilizing materials deeply rooted in Italian design heritage. Key interior elements include cherry wood banquette seating, Horigotatsu-style booths, and a custom gridded lighting system. Notably, shōji screens are adorned with textiles from Milan-based Kvadrat, and the bar is clad in hexagonal kelp-green tiles by Botteganove, which complement the overall deep teal and orange color scheme. At the heart of the expansive space lies a classic Milanese courtyard, offering outdoor seating with bamboo and cherry blossoms—a welcome feature during favorable weather. Beyond its co-working and cafe functions, Tenoha features a shop along Via Vigevano that imports Japanese art gifts and homeware. This includes items like Toyo-Sasaki glassware, tokyobike cruisers, and Kobeha Keikaku stationery. The shop's prominent location and large windows ensure ample daylight and attract curious passersby. The cafe's menu, developed by Hideyuki Manaka of Tokyo's Da Fiore, offers a mix of traditional dishes like Tonkatsu pork cutlets and udon noodles, alongside more innovative options such as Caprese salad with tofu and yuzu Monkfish. While Italian wine is served, the cocktail selection leans towards Japanese influences. A glass wall demarcates the restaurant from the co-working areas, which are furnished with a tiered wooden platform and cushions. This flexible seating arrangement caters to the diverse working habits of Tenoha’s freelance clientele. The establishment is anticipated to draw a large number of designers and design enthusiasts, especially with events like Salone del Mobile, and is seen as a significant addition to Milan’s burgeoning landscape of innovative venues. #MilaneseCafe #JapaneseDesign #CoWorkingSpace #InteriorDesign #CrossCulturalDesign #NavigliNeighborhood #ParkAssociati #MilanLifestyle #ZenSpace

Raf Simons, the acclaimed fashion designer known for his work with Jil Sander and Dior, and recently appointed co–creative director at Prada, has launched his latest textile collection for the Danish textile company Kvadrat. This collaboration, which began in 2014, introduces two new upholstery fabrics, Helia and Silas, drawing inspiration from Persian lamb fur and matte surfaces. These new offerings result in a bouclé fabric and a matte fabric, both characterized by a notably soft and gentle hand. Anna Vilhelmine Ebbesen, Kvadrat's head of design consumer, highlights the textiles' extra softness, which contributes to a more rounded, organic aesthetic, and their comforting tactility. In addition to the new fabrics, Simons has refreshed the color palette of Sunniva, a previously designed textile. The collection's launch also features a unique application of these new materials: Simons has used them to reupholster Roberto Matta’s Malitte Seating System, a modular furniture piece from 1966 that is part of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) collection. This choice serves as a playful contrast to the sophisticated elegance of the new upholstery textiles, reflecting Simons's haute couture background. Ebbesen expresses her admiration for Simons's creative approach, noting his distinctive perspective on textiles and colors, which brings a fresh dimension to furniture and space design. She describes Simons as a brave individual and an attentive listener who values diverse opinions, qualities she deems crucial for successful collaborations. His commitment to questioning established norms and refusing to compromise on detail or quality further underscores his meticulous design philosophy. The development of this collection predated the global impact of COVID-19, and a planned celebratory event for the launch was canceled due to the pandemic. However, the timing of the new collection, with its focus on enveloping and comforting interior fabrics, proved to be particularly relevant as consumers were spending more time at home. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Ebbesen remains optimistic, viewing the crisis as an opportunity for reevaluation and positive change within Kvadrat's operational practices. #RafSimons #Kvadrat #UpholsteryFabrics #TextileDesign #RobertoMatta #MalitteSeatingSystem #FashionDesigner #InteriorDesign #FurnitureDesign

This article highlights a newly completed penthouse apartment located in 'The Courtyard,' a residential complex in Milan designed by DFA Partners. The building itself is inspired by the city's traditional cloisters, featuring smart green spaces and a focus on urban forestation. Architect Daniele Fiori, realizing the abundance of abandoned structures in the city center, conceived a design that is entirely inward-facing and private, centered around a large garden. This green space is integral to the project's success, acting as a natural screen and reducing CO2 emissions. The building also incorporates sustainable features like green rooftops, private patios, terraces, geothermal energy from ground water, and built-in photovoltaic cells. The penthouse interiors were crafted by architect Massimiliano Camoletto for Visionnaire Art Director Eleonore Cavalli, embodying a quintessential Milanese aesthetic. The design emphasizes pure volumes, allowing natural light to flood the spaces. The apartment showcases a curated selection of furniture from Visionnaire, alongside collaborations with other notable Italian brands such as Viabizzuno, Alpi, and Ernestomeda. The selection includes designs by Mauro Lipparini, Alessandro La Spada, and younger talents like Zanellato and Bortotto, and Sara Ricciardi, creating a sophisticated blend of minimalist forms and luxurious materials. Custom-built elements, such as a mirrored modular bookcase and a metal and wood staircase, further enhance the living area. A significant feature of the living area is the custom-designed 'bioclimatic greenhouse' by Pratic. This greenhouse is home to Mediterranean plants, including olive and lemon trees, jasmine, roses, wisteria, camphor trees, and maples, strengthening the connection to nature within this urban setting. The kitchen, a collaboration with Ernestomeda, boasts a metallized lacquer finish, smoke gray etched glass, and Grigio Alpi stone. Upstairs, the penthouse includes a minimalist fitness space and two bedrooms, designed as calming sanctuaries with a muted color palette. The overall design of the penthouse celebrates Italian excellence in interior design, furniture, and sustainable architecture, creating a private and green oasis in the heart of Milan. #MilaneseInteriors #UrbanOasis #PenthouseDesign #ItalianDesign #SustainableArchitecture #GreenSpaces #LuxuryInteriors #DFAHPartners #VisionnaireFurniture