Vertical living in Turin

In a prestigious corner of Turin, an early 20th-century building becomes the stage for a bold and innovative architectural transformation by r3architetti. The project completely redefines two residential units, located on the top floor and attic, merging them into a single duplex space that blends contemporary aesthetics with references to Roman tradition.

The spatial composition is inspired by the characteristics of an independent villa, featuring double-height spaces and a strong sense of verticality, which becomes the guiding theme of the intervention. The staircase is the pivotal element of the internal layout and the undisputed focal point of the living area. Positioned above the kitchen island, it creates an unprecedented scenic effect: perforated metal sheets allow natural light to filter through, dematerializing the structure and integrating it harmoniously with the surrounding environment. This design choice also frees up the perimeter walls of the living room, highlighting the windows and providing spaces for a custom-made bookcase and kitchen modules.

The living area unfolds as a seamless space connecting the kitchen, dining area, and living room. The kitchen, with its central island, serves not only as a functional hub but also as the starting point for the staircase leading to the upper floor. The bookcase, located on the west wall, is designed in harmony with the beams of the ceiling, one of the earliest examples of reinforced concrete structures in Turin, creating a link between past and present.

The lower floor houses the sleeping quarters, including a master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom and walk-in closet, a junior bedroom, a second bathroom, and a hallway. The upper attic floor, on the other hand, is designed as a guest suite with an independent entrance, ensuring both autonomy and privacy.

A distinctive element of the project is its connection to Rome, a tribute to the clients’ ties to the capital, expressed through a meticulous selection of materials and colors. Travertine, the only stone element, is used for the kitchen, island, and windowsills, evoking the timeless elegance of Roman tradition. Cocciopesto, chosen for the entrance and kitchen floors, recalls the surfaces of ancient Roman houses. The furnishings also emphasize this dialogue with the capital: the sofa, with its organic shapes, is inspired by the stones of ancient Roman roads.

Every detail is thoughtfully designed to engage with the context and the cultural identity of the owners. This project exemplifies how architecture can reinterpret the past to create contemporary spaces with a strong and unique character.