The Italian Loft

A Tribute to Industrial Heritage

The Italian Loft is a unique residential house designed by Marco Dellatorre, Emanuele Corte, and Vittoria Fiorito. Inspired by the industrial past of the building, the designers aimed to preserve the original volumes while infusing the space with precious elements and materials.

Located in Milan, on the ruins of an old metallurgical plant, The Italian Loft is a 250-square-meter space with 5-meter-high ceilings. The owner, recognizing the potential of the raw space, embarked on a year-long journey to transform it into a functional and aesthetically pleasing home. The challenge was to create a design that paid homage to the building's industrial roots without succumbing to a purely minimalist aesthetic.

The designers successfully achieved this by using iron as both a structural and decorative element throughout the space. The use of iron not only serves as a link to the industrial complex's past but also adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the design. Traditional brick masonry and carpentry techniques were employed during the renovation process, ensuring the preservation of the building's original character.

Collaborating closely with skilled artisans in the Milan area, the decoration and furnishings of The Italian Loft were meticulously crafted. The result is a space that seamlessly blends art, architecture, and design, creating a unique setting that defies standards and archetypes.

This Italian-style loft breaks away from the traditional Anglo-Saxon concept of a loft and embraces a new language that reflects the Italian lifestyle. The open and fluid layout of the space creates a sense of intimacy, warmth, and seduction. Although there are no physical separations between the rooms, each area is defined by carefully chosen colors and materials.

The Italian Loft project began in March 2008 and was completed in January 2009. It was published in Architectural Digest AD Italian Edition in April 2009, showcasing its innovative and captivating design. The project received the Bronze A' Design Award in 2018, recognizing its outstanding creativity and resourcefulness in incorporating art, science, design, and technology.

The Italian Loft stands as a testament to the designers' ability to transform a raw industrial space into a harmonious and sophisticated living environment. It is a true celebration of Italian design and craftsmanship, merging different disciplines to create a truly unique and inspiring home.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: vemworks
Image Credits: Vemworks
Project Team Members: Marco Dellatorre architetto Emanuele Corte architetto Vittoria Fiorito architetto
Project Name: The Italian Loft
Project Client: vemworks


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