binocle restores casa corbellini-wassermann to form new art gallery in milan

italian-based practice, studio binocle, has undertaken the careful restoration of casa corbellini-wassermann in milan, transforming the 1930s modernist apartment into the massimo de carlo gallery. situated within the città studi area of the city, the private residence was originally designed by the renowned milanese architect piero portaluppi. the existing spaces, which are distinguished by the rich use of colored marble, have been lovingly and extensively conserved and renovated, giving the former home a new lease of life while still paying homage to the original design.

all images © delfino sisto legnani and marco cappelletti

located on the first floor of the building, the new art gallery has been transformed by studio binocle over a period of three years. covering a total area of 10,764 ft2 (1000 m2), the project has stripped the original design back to its fundamental elements, highlighting the sumptuous materials that characterize the interiors and providing an ideal backdrop to showcase works of art. the walls, floors and ceilings have all been carefully retained and refreshed, with one of the few interventions being the addition of strip lighting, bringing more light into the interior.

open to the public for the first time, visitors to the art gallery are able to walk through the original modernist design and marvel at not only the new artwork, but also the elegant colored marble of the 1930s residence. from the swathes of green, red, white and dark brown, the original stone flooring acts almost as if to direct and circulate people through the space. upon moving through the rooms, the striking combination of colors gives way to more minimal palette, characterized by freshly painted white walls and ceilings and polished floors. in these pared-back rooms, the marble forms a simple line around the base of the walls and door elements, opening the floor space up for art exhibitions.