In the heart of the San Lorenzo district in Rome, within a late 19th-century building featuring the architectural typology of the casa a ballatoio, lies Casa degli Equi, the apartment of a young doctor. Originally intended for the working class, the building still bears the marks of its long history, including the scars of the 1943 bombings, clearly visible on the main façade.
Renovated by architect Carla Arrabito, the apartment was designed to enhance spatial continuity and natural light. The floor plan unfolds as a narrow and elongated rectangle, with the entrance positioned on one of the short sides and a window at the opposite end. To maximize the space and ensure a visual connection between the two natural light sources, the design follows a linear distribution of the interiors.
The renovation is based on an approach of subtraction and simplification: internal partitions were redesigned to amplify spatial perception and encourage visual continuity between rooms. At the center of the composition, a multifunctional wooden volume acts as both a distributive and storage core. This sculptural element incorporates wardrobes, bookshelves, and technical compartments, eliminating the need for dividing walls and contributing to the fluidity of the space.
The internal layout is ideally divided into three equal sections, each measuring 3.5 meters. The first is the Sage Green Zone, which includes the entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and laundry area. Here, sage green floors and wall coverings create a calming atmosphere, complemented by a backsplash with yellow tiles. The second section is the living area, which houses the dining space, living room, and study, where the original floors have been preserved as a historical memory of the apartment. Lastly, the sleeping area accommodates the bedroom and wardrobe, separated from the other spaces by custom-made birch wood furniture, designed to optimize space without disrupting the flow of light and visual perception. A black ceiling rail, running the full length of the apartment, integrates the lighting system and further emphasizes the visual connection between spaces.
The interior arrangement is designed to meet the needs of contemporary living, offering hybrid and dynamic spaces that can adapt to various configurations. Through a carefully measured and thoughtful intervention, architect Carla Arrabito demonstrates how it is possible to transform a historic interior without betraying its character, offering a new perspective on urban, contemporary, and colorful living.
CREDITS
Project: Casa degli Equi
Studio: Carla Arrabito architetto
Location: Rome, Italy
Year: 2024
Photo: Laura Fantacuzzi and Maxime Galati Fourcade
