In the heart of Milan‘s Città Studi district, KICK.OFFICE has recently transformed a previously uninspiring apartment into a showcase of architectural ingenuity. CASA GS, as the project is known, takes a problematic floor plan – dominated by a long, dark corridor – and reimagines it as a vibrant and inviting promenade. The studio’s intervention is a masterclass in spatial planning, material selection, and the art of surprise.
The most striking feature of the renovation is the introduction of a long barrel vault that defines the corridor’s width. This architectural gesture instantly elevates the space, imbuing it with a strong geometric character. The vault not only emphasizes the corridor’s linearity but also acts as a carefully orchestrated journey, guiding the visitor towards the living area, which is revealed dramatically at the end of this processional path.
This linearity is further accentuated by a bespoke wardrobe that stretches the entire length of the corridor. More than just storage, this element becomes the apartment’s backbone, subtly dividing the day and night zones. Cleverly integrated within the wardrobe are a niche workstation and a concealed entrance to the guest bathroom, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to functionality.
The day zone unfolds with a seamless transition between the living room and kitchen, facilitated by a large portal. The kitchen itself is designed with discretion in mind. A sleek forest green element defines the operational area, while the appliance columns and pantry are seamlessly concealed behind doors painted to match the walls, creating a sense of clean, uninterrupted lines.
The guest bathroom, a jewel box in dark green, features a striking countertop of Guatemala green marble. The bold tones are juxtaposed against a rear wall constructed entirely of glass block, shared with the en suite bathroom of the bedroom. This clever solution allows natural light to filter through while maintaining privacy between the two spaces.
In the bedroom, a lighter palette prevails, highlighting the original decorated tile floor and the sand-colored ceiling. A custom wardrobe graces one wall, integrating a hidden door leading to the main bathroom. Here, too, the light tones of the walls and mosaic floor contrast with a grenadine-colored ceiling, echoing the decorative motifs of the bedroom’s cement tiles.
Perhaps the most unique element of CASA GS is the shower room, a “salle d’eau,” ingeniously carved out of the former kitchenette space. KICK.OFFICE has emphasized this singularity by creating a pill-shaped entrance with a coffee-colored lacquered iron frame and refined ribbed glass. This door acts as a symbolic frame, transforming the entrance to the shower into both an aesthetic and functional experience.
In every corner of the apartment, the design team has preserved the original high-quality materials and finishes, including the stunning parquet flooring in the living room and the beautifully adorned tiles in the bedroom. This thoughtful strategy infuses the project with authenticity, linking it to the rich history of the building. The meticulously selected furnishings, blending vintage treasures with iconic designs, cultivate an elegant ambiance where diverse styles harmoniously coexist, resulting in a refined and timeless setting. CASA GS stands as a shining example of the impact of intentional design, turning a challenging space into a chic and welcoming home.