HOUSE /
Location

Cologno Monzese, Italy

Year

2017

Type
Residential
Surface Area

100 m²

Project Overview

We faced a fascinating challenge: transforming a 100 m² apartment in an industrial warehouse into a comfortable home for a young, growing family. This unique space, previously used as a caretaker’s residence, offers extraordinary features that make it the perfect canvas for an innovative and functional interior design project.

Design Challenges

  • A young couple with a nearly 2-year-old child and plans to grow their family
  • The need to create functional and welcoming spaces within an industrial structure
  • Privacy and separate areas for parents and children
  • A warm, family-friendly atmosphere despite the industrial origins
  • Storage space optimization

Design Constraints

  • Fully reinforced concrete structure
  • Original room layout
  • Challenges with thermal and acoustic insulation
  • Exposure on three sides (east, west, and north)

Creative Solution

The project perfectly balances functionality and refinement, creating a welcoming and sophisticated atmosphere.

Height Management:

  • Smart reduction from 4.5 m to 3.10 m
  • Strategic suspended ceiling for systems
  • Design to maintain a sense of spaciousness

Insulation and Confort:

  • Full interior insulation around the perimeter
  • Improved thermal and acoustic performance
  • Integrated climate control systems

Lighting System:

  • Highlighting the original 2.5 m windows
  • Integrated lighting in the suspended ceiling
  • Specific solutions for north-facing areas

Space Organization:

  • Master suite with private bathroom and walk-in closet
  • Flexible and adaptable children’s room
  • Functional family bathroom
  • Integrated laundry space
  • Spacious and bright living area

Materials & Palette Key Materials

Materials:

  • Brushed gray and pearl porcelain stoneware for flooring
  • Fossil-effect porcelain stoneware in gray and beige
  • Solid wood for the kitchen countertop and bedroom mezzanine
  • Matte black MDF for kitchen cabinets
  • Steel decorative elements paired with aluminum for windows and doors.

Color Palette:

  • Natural tones of gray and beige
  • Warm wood accents
  • Matte black for bold contrasts
  • Natural teak tones
  • Soft metallic finishes for added refinement
Custom Elements:
Designed to integrate systems and lighting
A multifunctional structure that separates the children’s sleeping area from the play/study area. The staircase serves as a wardrobe and includes custom storage drawers
Designed with flush doors for a sleek, seamless look
Built with drywall and featuring custom mirrored shelves inside for the parents’ storage needs
Lighting:
The lighting design was developed to maximize natural light and create different atmospheres
Original 2.5 m windows highlighted
Technical lighting integrated into the suspended ceiling
Ambient lighting for living spaces
Functional lighting for work areas
Furnishing:
Sectional sofa with removable light and dark gray covers, chaise longue mechanisms for comfort, and a minimalist TV wall
Matte black cabinets with leather handles and a solid wood countertop.
Walk-in closet with drywall and custom mirrored shelves for shared storage
A custom wooden mezzanine and staircase that doubles as a wardrobe and storage drawers, providing flexible and modular solutions for the growing family.
Contemporary design with durable technical materials
Custom-built shelf with flush doors
Integrated and hidden throughout for a streamlined look

Technical Details:

  • Project Duration: 6 months

Provided Services:

  • Architectural design
  • Interior design
  • Lighting design
  • Technical consulting
  • Project management

Achieved Results:

  • Complete conversion from industrial to residential
  • Welcoming and functional environment for a family
  • Flexible spaces for future growth
  • Optimized energy efficiency
  • Improved thermal and acoustic comfort
  • Design that respects the industrial heritage
  • Efficient organization of service spaces (laundry/storage)