Located in the central district of San Vittore in Milan, the residential complex in the courtyard of the “Chiostro“.
rises on the ashes of the nineteenth century Pio Istituto pei Figli della Provvidenza. The project by DFA Partners architectural studio took up the complex challenge of the rebirth of this lot, hit by bombing during the Second World War, combining modernity and elegance with a skilful interweaving of evocative shared green spaces and spacious living spaces. The recovery and consolidation of the facades along the perimeter of the block, affected by a constraint of the Superintendence, safeguard the historical memory of the district, expressing a dynamic
dialogue of ancient architecture with new geometries.
The concept of a green, silent cloister was the guiding element of the entire project: in addition to the courtyard, it is declined in “green roofs” and spread to private patios and terraces, in a crescendo of natural spaces that blend into the building. An example of urban forestation capable of reducing CO2 emissions and acting as a filter towards the outside, it is equipped with the most advanced technologies that implement sustainability through the use of renewable energy, from geothermal energy produced by a system powered by groundwater to integrated photovoltaic cells.
The duplex penthouse, acquired by the client during the construction phase of the entire complex, is was entrusted to the interior design of our friend architect Massimiliano Camoletto. Certain of
a fruitful stylistic collaboration, matured with mutual professional esteem, have also contributed to the interior design of the architect and the total look Visionnaire, the clients Eleonore Cavalli and Marco Morandini.
The double-height living room is architecturally shaped around two important furnishing elements
made to measure: a fifth-bearing, which comes from the sequence of Speyer mirror bookcase modules, an iconic piece by Visionnaire, alternating with lighting elements and an imposing staircase body in metal and wood. Bastian sofa in powder-coloured leather and carob ribbons, Bastian armchair in mistral nubuck, both designed by Mauro Lipparini. Kings Cross low table with structure in solid Canaletto walnut open pore and top in Dalmatian marble. Kudrun dining table in steel and Kylo chairs upholstered in dove grey and tobacco by Alessandro La Spada. Gareth low cabinet in steel and black back-lacquered glass top. Set of Equilibri crystal vases by Zanellato and Bortotto for Visionnaire, set of Ballet collection bottles in murano glass by Marta Giardini, wall enamel work on wood by Emmanuel Barcilon.
Even the main entrance, which faces directly onto the living room, is invisible from the inside, as the door is concealed and integrated into a continuous carpentry wall/cabinet.
The living room extends into a real bioclimatic metal greenhouse, created by Pratic to the designers’ design. A special feature is the technological cover with adjustable blades, which occupies the entire surface of the terrace, surrounded on the perimeter by metal vases with climbing plants and Mediterranean essences. Argante butterfly-shaped carpet, Backstage armchair and Granger coffee table triptych of different heights with steel structure and marble top with manual bronze surface treatment.
Visionnaire special project kitchen designed by the same studio Camoletto, in collaboration with Ernestomeda, metallic lacquered finish, fume grey acid etched glass and Pietra Grigio Alpi. Fabula collection bottle set by Marta Giardini.
The Dark – Day Toilet is a space with unexpected surfaces: it was born, as an evolution of a sober
powder room from the Deco era, with the unusual combination of Alimonti lava stone with tiles in
hand painted handmade ceramics, of naturalistic inspiration.
Galahad aluminium flakes suspension chandelier, flower sculpture with raw cotisus and blown glass by Sara Ricciardi for Visionnaire.
Upstairs is the sleeping area, consisting of two master bedrooms and a studio/gym, heated by the large format slatted parquet flooring in heat-treated oak, produced and installed by Domenico Mori and by the exposed beams in grey pickled wood, leitmotif of the renovation project for the entire Cloister complex.
All Visionnaire‘s upstairs custom-made wardrobe walls have been equipped to Camoletto‘s day&night design in wood with Alpi and leather upholstery. It is characterised by a gallery
with transparent glass parapet that acts as a connecting element between the spaces with walls in
oil green colour and great work of the Catalan artist Susy Gomez.
The two master bathrooms, one of which ensuite, are entirely made by Alimonti in Grigio Alpi ‘leather’ finish and are inspired by the sober but welcoming ambiences of luxury hotel spas. Milo series faucets in satin-finish stainless steel by Cea Design: the right seal to architectural rigour.
Internal sliding doors with custom glazing and bronze coloured wire mesh, a project developed with the company Garofoli.
For more information, visit www.visionnaire-home.com.
