Into the light

An urban villa from the early 1920s in Lombardy returns to speak of its past through exquisite details Words Riccardo Bianchi — Photos Mattia Aquila

Diego Cisi and Stefano Gorni Silvestrini, founders of the studio Archiplan in 1997, define their design method as literary. This narrative approach can also be seen in the project for an urban villa from the 1920s at the gates of Milan. «We decided to alter the original structure as little as possible, and to bring out its contemporary spirit through the measured use of new architectural elements and furnishings», they say.

The living area and bedroom zone are organized on two separate levels. The sole variation on the initial layout is the transformation of an old workshop into a luminous dining-kitchen area with large industrial-style glazing and a table with a length of 5.5 meters, incorporating an existing pilaster. Designed by Archiplan in lacquered wood, this is the place of preparation and consumption of meals. A fireplace has also been added. Internal and external finishes have been conserved, along with the existing floors that now reveal their colorful geometric tile motifs.

The furnishings are spare, in a careful interaction with the historical setting. The kitchen features a custom lamp: a slender wooden rod hanging from the ceiling with a series of lights. The Arco lamp by Piergiacomo & Achille Castiglioni (Flos) stands in the living room. The study has a classic lounge chair by Charles & Ray Eames (produced by Vitra) and an Assemblage bookcase by Seletti.