House in Olivuzza, Palermo 2024
The apartment is located on the second floor of a 1930s building, designed in eclectic style by architect Antonio Zanca, close to the Olivuzza area of Palermo, Italy, an area of urban development for the Palermo bourgeoisie between the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The main rooms overlooking the street are characterized by decorative elements in neo-medieval style, such as the delicate ceiling paintings with floral elements and the presence of elegant Venetian terrazzo floors. The project by Studio Pietro Airoldi was conceived as a minimal intervention to transform the existing house through some strategic operations, aimed at reconstructing an essential dialogue with the historical character of the house. The main intervention was concentrated in the entrance area, with the creation of a furniture-box that works as a container element that distributes functions towards the different domestic areas. The project also aims to enhance the sequence of spaces, through the connection of specific architectural and decorative elements, such as the opening of the partitions and the positioning of thin glass dividing structures that allow the relationship between the various rooms of the house to be remodeled without interruptions, but in a visual continuum that amplifies the depth and perception of domestic spaces. In this new living concept, the large kitchen becomes the new center around which family activities and life revolve.
The elements of transformation of the house (kitchen, bathrooms and entrance cabinet) are mainly represented by the large multifunctional furniture rigorously made by local craftsmen. The colors and shades chosen were scrupulously identified in relation to the existing decorative elements, so as to link the new identity of the house to its architectural style and its history.
Credits:
Design: Studio Pietro Airoldi
Construction firm: Edilsama srl
Woodworks: Arredilegno Giovannelli
Resin surfaces: Polveri di M. Indovina
Blacksmith: Tekno metalli di Buscarello G.
Furnitures supply: Longho
Photographies: Francesco Giardina