DVDV studio architects completes 'blue and concrete' apartment in milan

DVDV studio architects has renovated an apartment located in a southern suburb of milan, italy. the ‘blue and concrete’ project connects a studio with a terrace on the first floor and a three-room apartment on the ground floor. the design organizes the space by volumes rather than in plan. this approach creates a need for a mezzanine and leads the insertion of an iron footbridge. together with the staircase, these elements become the axis of symmetry within the entire residence and a main feature of the space.

image © alessio tamborini

the spaces, volumes and functions are designed by DVDV to enable plentiful light, air and views. most of the vertical partitions are glazed and softly obscured by drapes to ensure the client’s privacy at night. a palette of color and textures are carefully chosen to complement one another and suit the personality of the client. dark blue, grey and concrete and metallic materials are used throughout to create a contemporary style. timber is also utilized to bring an element of warmth into the apartment.

image © alessio tamborini

almost all the furniture in the apartment has been custom designed. ‘poi’ is a modular system of drilled panels and shelves; ‘bau’ is a dining table made of a black walnut top held by four brass feet with different folded shapes that enter and cut the wooden top; ‘zag’ is a suspension kitchen lamp made of a bended brass sheet and luminous panels. on the ground floor, there is a big kitchen with doors made of corrugated aluminum sheets. it has been designed by vico magistretti, as well as the lamps fresnel and atollo.

image © alessio tamborini

image © alessio tamborini

image © floriana onidi

image © filippo romano

image © filippo romano

image © filippo romano

image © massimiliano lowe

image © floriana onidi

image © floriana onidi

project info:

project name: ‘blue and concrete apartment’

architect: DVDV studio architects

project location: milan, italy

completion year: 2018

other participants: daniele buso, silvia comi, zuzana kulhánková, ecenur yesildag

structures: eng. renzo buzzi

images: filippo romano, alessio tamborini, massimiliano lowe, floriana onidi