Silver Interior Space and Exhibition Design · 2023
Borromei Loft Residential
- A' Design Award 2023 Silver Winner in Interior Space and Exhibition Design
- Awarded April 15, 2023
- CLIENT: Bfa Architects
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 20,011
- Verification code 85763B7494 · Verify this award
About Borromei Loft Residential
The challenge of this project was to be able to re-propose the succession of secret spaces typical of Milan's historic canter, going beyond the ancient building structure through a contemporary design that would guarantee a new atmosphere. Being able to ensure adequate natural lighting for all spaces was only possible by creating wings and new openings that would allow the light filters through the large skylight in the living area to reach the most private spaces.
The conversion of industrial structures into refined residential environments represents one of contemporary interior design's most compelling typological transformations, and Barbara Fassoni's Borromei Loft Residential stands as an exemplary achievement within this tradition. The design demonstrates remarkable sensitivity to the inherent spatial generosity of its architectural shell while introducing a material vocabulary that balances industrial heritage with domestic warmth and intellectual sophistication. The designer appears to have understood that the dramatic double-height volume demanded both celebration and humanization, accomplishing this through the strategic deployment of intimate furniture groupings beneath the expansive overhead glazing. The floating staircase emerges as perhaps the composition's most striking architectural gesture, its cantilevered black steel treads creating a sculptural element that transforms functional circulation into visual drama while respecting the concrete wall's monolithic presence. The integration of extensive built-in bookshelving along the full height of the right boundary suggests an inhabitant whose life centers upon intellectual pursuit and cultural engagement, while the colorful book spines introduce controlled chromatic vitality into the otherwise disciplined neutral palette. The circular wall luminaire functions simultaneously as functional light source and contemplative artwork, its warm amber glow establishing an almost meditative focal point that counterbalances the more assertive industrial elements. Natural illumination serves as the space's primary atmospheric medium, with the generous skylight system ensuring that the interior maintains vital connection to diurnal and seasonal rhythms while filtered through the graphic structure of black steel framing. The inclusion of a substantial interior tree demonstrates sophisticated understanding of biophilic design principles, its organic form and living presence softening architectural edges while establishing crucial vertical scale relationships within the tall volume. One might observe that the design achieves that rare quality of spaces that feel simultaneously grand and intimate, public and deeply personal. The viewer is invited to consider how architecture might shelter not merely bodies but minds, creating environments where contemplation and daily life achieve harmonious integration.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Challenging was to propose the succession of secret spaces typical of Milan’s historic centre, going beyond the ancient building structure through a modern design that would guarantee an up-to-date atmosphere. In addition, ensuring adequate natural lighting for all spaces was only possible by creating wings and new openings that would allow the light filters through the large skylight in the living area rooms to the most private rooms.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Skylight 6.5x2.5 Glass roof box 7.2x1.8
- Tags
- Loft style, amazing space, metall fireplace, big skylight, green interior space, garden interior, luxury lifestyle, industrial style, metall staircase
- Production Technology
- Above other materials, we featured this project with natural and painted steel for the staircase. Concrete has been used for the living area's floor. Transparent glass is used to maintain the flow between spaces.
- Design Challenge
- The space was difficult to manage because it faces an inner court with poor light. The key was to give more fluidity to the main area to interact with other rooms between internal windows or openings in the walls. The living area became a sort of 'piazza' - a public space that capturing zenital light it's the house's core.
- Project Duration
- The project started in October 2018, with a first visit to the place in Milan. Detailed project and building site followed until March 2021. Custom furniture has been completed in February 2023.
- Operation Flow
- Borromei loft was designed for a single man. The heart of the house revolves around the living room, featured by a double row of five opening skylights and a fixed glass box measuring 7x2m. Around this space revolve the kitchen, the fireplace with sofas and the TV area, the study area and the music area, embellished with a small terrace enriched by a vertical green wall. The double-height entrance area acts as a hinge between the spaces of the three bedrooms, each with a bathroom en suite.
- Research
- Our research is based on selecting mood images, colour palettes, material samples, and suppliers. We defined our research objective as a house that could be safe but prestigious, warm and welcoming after several meetings with clients, and all family members, to fully understand their needs. Our methodology includes research, mood boards, models and renders shared with clients, approval, and on-site application. Research tools are references from books, magazines, the internet, suppliers' meetings and everything we need to support our ideas.
- Inspiration
- Each space is contained in another, in a continuous game of sophisticated matryoshkas. Public areas become progressively exclusive, allowing the sensation of leaving behind the city centre and its frenzy. The two-level loft recreates Milan's architectural elements, including an inner garden, a courtyard, and private rooms. Three different designed staircases guarantee the connection with the upper level. The house's core is a social and bright central space, which connects the three bedrooms while keeping them separate.
- Image Credits
- Image #1: Andrea Martiradonna, 2022
Image #2: Andrea Martiradonna, 2022
Image #3: Andrea Martiradonna, 2022
Image #4: Andrea Martiradonna, 2022
Image #5: Andrea Martiradonna, 2022
Colors of Borromei Loft Residential
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