Nestled within a 1960s building in Rome‘s dynamic Nemorense-Trieste district, Casa Herbaria unfolds as a testament to Punto Zero‘s masterful manipulation of light, space, and materiality. The project, envisioned for a couple passionate about art collecting, transforms a segmented apartment into a fluid and versatile haven that celebrates the interplay of raw and refined elements.
Punto Zero’s intervention began with a bold deconstruction. The original layout, characterized by a multitude of compartmentalized rooms, was stripped bare, revealing the building’s inherent structure – pillars, walls, and beams. This raw canvas became the foundation for a symphony of materials, where exposed concrete walls and iron accents juxtaposed seamlessly with the warmth of oak wood parquet flooring and soft hues.
The architects, Giorgio Marchese and Arianna Nobile, describe their approach as the creation of “monochromatic capsule spaces.” Blue and green hues envelop the entryway, kitchen, and bedroom, establishing distinct identities while maintaining a sense of cohesion. This color-blocking approach is further accentuated by the strategic use of resin, a continuous material that flows throughout the space in varying colors.
Stepping through the deep green-hued entryway, one is immediately struck by the home’s newfound sense of openness. The living room takes center stage, a captivating interplay of exposed concrete and a contrasting green chromed partition. This partition serves a dual purpose: it frames a designated corner for quick meals, bathed in natural light from the expansive terrace, and conceals the entryway with built-in wardrobes. A sliding panel door within the partition provides an additional layer of privacy, separating the sleeping area when desired. The final touch in this captivating space is a furnished wall adorned with two raw iron sheet bookshelves, adding a touch of industrial chic.
The living area also boasts an inviting arrangement of soft, voluminous sofas, alongside a unique design piece – the “Chiodino” from the Franca and Allegra collection, a testament to Punto Zero’s own creative spirit.
Echoing the entryway’s chromatic embrace, the kitchen transforms into a green haven. Custom-made green lacquered cabinetry stands in bold contrast to the countertop and backsplash, both clad in Guatemala green marble. This bold use of color creates a distinct identity for the space, perfect for culinary adventures.
The sleeping area exemplifies Punto Zero’s masterful handling of contrasting moods. One bathroom emerges as a cozy haven, enveloped entirely in vinaccia, a rich wine-red color. A breccia viola marble sink adds a touch of luxury, while the other bathroom takes a brighter approach with yellow resin finishes and a large Carrara marble sink.
The master bedroom balances intimacy with light. An anteroom lined with blue-green wardrobes creates a dramatic prelude to the main space, which features a large window leading to a private balcony. This interplay of light and color ensures a serene retreat at the end of a busy day.
Casa Herbaria transcends the realm of mere interior design; it is a carefully orchestrated composition of materials, light, and space. Punto Zero’s masterful use of color blocking, contrasting textures, and strategic exposure of the building’s raw structure culminate in a symphony of unique spaces, each designed to evoke a distinct mood and cater to the homeowners’ multifaceted lifestyle.
This project would not have been possible without the expertise of a multitude of skilled suppliers. The custom carpentry works were entrusted to Di.Va. Arredamenti, while Mobilificio Marchese provided the sofa and bed. Spazio 5 supplied the table and chairs, and USM furniture was procured through Fortuna. Lozzi Srl ensured top-of-the-line sanitaryware and taps, while Progetto Design di Maurizio Latini brought their lighting expertise to the table. Kerakoll Color Collection provided the resins and paints, and Massimo Impicciatore supplied the marbles. Finally, C.T. Metal’s iron and glass works added a touch of industrial finesse to the overall design.
Casa Herbaria stands as a testament to Punto Zero’s design philosophy and collaborative spirit. Through a thoughtful blend of materials, light, and space, they have crafted a home that is both aesthetically captivating and functionally adept, perfectly suited to the art-loving couple who call it home.