An apartment
in Casale Monferrato
This flat is part of a wider refurbishment project involving the Credito Italiano building in Piazza Mazzini.
The refurbishment involves converting the ground floor into commercial space and the upper floors into residential accommodation. The brief is limited to the design of the top-floor flat identified here
The main challenge with the flat is that, as it is on the top floor of a listed building, it is not possible to install new windows. Given this, the decision was made to install skylights in the bedrooms and create an open-plan terrace overlooking the inner courtyard to bring light into the living area
Construction phases
The existing issue in the new living area is the French window situated 1.50 metres above floor level, which opens onto the small central terrace overlooking Piazza Mazzini. Whilst there is no direct view from this French window, it was necessary to create a connection that would also lend character to the living area
Through this project, this challenge was transformed into an opportunity with the creation of a bespoke piece of furniture that allows access to the small outdoor terrace, creates a raised seating and reading area, and at the same time separates the dining area from the TV area, thereby defining the living room.
This piece of furniture is made entirely of metal and glass, with the steps crafted from the same wood as the living room.
This view shows the new patio, created in the dining area, from which there is a glimpse of Casale Monferrato Cathedral. This opening not only brings light into the various rooms of the house but also serves as the focal point around which the living and sleeping areas are arranged.