Situated in the centre of Albino city in Valle Seriana, the micro-apartment of just 25 sqm has been designed for a local couple, of Italian and Persian origin.
It consists of a complete restoration of an open porch once used as a storage area contiguous to a private garden.

Photo: @Francesca Perani. (click on the image to view the photo gallery)

A minimal and multifunctional cabin, set at ground level, which summarises functionality and stylistic resourcefulness of a living space; a roof garden as an extra outdoor area.
The restored building represents an extension of a modern villa built in 1968 by Architect Armen Manoukian and renovated by Francesca Perani in 2008.

Photo: @Francesca Perani. (click on the image to view the photo gallery)

With this new intervention, the external shape has been kept unaltered, prioritising great openings and an “earth” façade colour; a second skin, a new stately and playful shading characterises the whole restoration.

Photo: @Francesca Perani. (click on the image to view the photo gallery)

A perforated metal grid folds freely in front of the south façade and defines a triangular exclusive garden: an openly declared reference to ancient Persian arches and sun shadings here adopted also as a functional response to privacy needs.

Photo: @Francesca Perani. (click on the image to view the photo gallery)

The limited dimensions and extreme narrowness of the existing building suggested a full custom designed interior, where flexibility and multi-usage became key factors.
The interior design is composed of two monochromatic areas in open contrast. Warm osb (Oriented Strand Board) defines the living room (19 sqm) as a unique texturized surface, with the joyous intrusion of recycled 1960s handles and printed marble gres used in the kitchen area.

Photo: @Francesca Perani. (click on the image to view the photo gallery)

A dramatic blue glossy resin, reminiscent of Persian indigo, covers all of the bathroom faces, where bright white fitting and fixtures arise. The shower gains character from the existing wall and takes advantage of the private garden outdoor space being set in front of the door/window.
Diagonal lines define the design of kitchen top and suspended window frames assuring a dynamic corridor where the twin wooden alcoves favour of a frontal conversation.

Plan. @Francesca Perani. (click on the image to view the photo gallery)

Low-cost materials, attention to thermal insulation, flexibility and privacy are the key elements of this project, where bold, contemporary architecture and Iranian culture blend creating a reassuring feeling of intimacy and warmth.

@Francesca Perani. (click on the image to view the photo gallery)