Penthouse Unit Renovation Project:

Project Description:

• This project focused on the refurbishment of large condominium unit in an historic XVI century building. The unit comprises most of the top floor (approx. 2750 SqFt) ; it also contains a loft area above (approx. 600 SqFt) currently used as a home office, an adjoining roof terrace and a laundry room below (approx. 180 SqFt).
• Over the years the unit experienced numerous changes in ownership and configuration, and the once elegant space had been carved into small rooms and corridors.
• The design intent was to restore the apartment to its original dignity, respecting the historic reality without artificially recreating the antique design. Instead, a contemporary language was introduced to complement the existing architecture and to create entertainment space for the new family.

Specific Solutions:

• When purchased, the entry area had been divided into 3 rooms and a long corridor which ran through the entire unit. The design team removed these divisions to create a single space for Entry/Dining Room/Kitchen. The kitchen was screened from the entry with a floor-to-ceiling custom built coat closet.
• An existing fireplace, in what is now the Dining Room, was replaced with an energy efficient system that emits warm air heated by the fire itself. This solution provided an alternative heat source, environmentally friendly and low-cost.
• The upper level had been left unfinished and without stairs. Convenient and stylish access was provided with a cantilevered staircase in the Dining Room. The finished floor now includes a home office and lovely roof terrace, easily reached for dining and entertaining.
• The design team divided the large unit into Public and Private zones. To serve the entertainment area, a new powder room was created from a closet off the foyer dividing the Dining and Living rooms.
• The existing fireplace in the Living Room was small and shallow. To enhance it, a dramatic dimensional wall element was created to allow space for the fireplace, large screen TV and storage for sound/video equipment. This element features a light cove behind the sides and top to detach it visually from the wall.
• The corridor that ran through the unit now remains only partially in the private area. It was fragmented and uneven, with wasted space. To improve it, the design team unified the space, adding a linen closet and double doors opening into the MasterBedroom.
• The MasterBedroom was located farthest from the entertaining areas and the front of the Palazzo; the building is located on the main square of the town where public events and celebrations often take place until late into the night.
• A special glass desk top was designed for the Master Bedroom to accommodate the oddly angled walls and a large radiator located in the corner.