In Rome’s historic neighborhood near Villa Torlonia, PAROS architettura has transformed a disjointed early 20th-century penthouse into Casa ANCE – a sophisticated hybrid space that effortlessly blends residential comfort with professional functionality. The project, commissioned by Italy’s national association of building companies, reimagines the 140-square-meter apartment and its 160-square-meter terrace as both a guest residence and meeting venue, creating a compelling case study in adaptive reuse.
The original layout presented significant challenges – three separate units with a complex pitched roof structure and varying ceiling heights created a fragmented interior. PAROS architettura’s solution was to completely rework the spatial organization, establishing a clear distinction between public reception areas and private zones while preserving the building’s historic character. The design team saw opportunity in the existing architectural constraints, using them to inform a thoughtful, contemporary intervention.
At the heart of the renovation is a stunning open-plan public area where the original roof beams remain exposed, creating visual drama and a sense of continuity. A sliding iron-and-glass partition system provides flexible division of space, allowing the dining and meeting area to be either incorporated into the main flow or closed off for private functions. This innovative approach maintains spatial fluidity while accommodating different uses.
The material palette speaks to the building’s industrial heritage while achieving modern elegance. Raw stone surfaces, microcement floors, and custom-designed wood-and-iron furnishings create a tactile, minimalist aesthetic. PAROS architettura’s careful selection of natural materials reflects both the client’s identity in the construction industry and Rome’s architectural legacy, resulting in spaces that feel simultaneously contemporary and timeless.
In contrast, the private sleeping and service areas adopt a more compartmentalized layout, with reshaped roof pitches to standardize room volumes. The material palette—featuring raw stone, microcement, and custom wood-and-iron furniture—echoes the building industry’s ethos, blending rugged textures with refined craftsmanship. The restrained use of color and emphasis on natural materials reinforce a sense of timeless elegance.
Extending the design narrative outdoors, the panoramic terrace has been revitalized with strategic landscaping, mirroring the interior’s clean lines and materiality. The result is a harmonious transition between inside and out, offering sweeping views of Rome’s skyline.
Casa ANCE stands as a strong example of adaptive reuse in architecture, where historical constraints are reinterpreted through a modern lens. PAROS architettura’s meticulous approach highlights how minimalist design and functional flexibility can coexist within a heritage context, creating a space that is as inviting as it is purposeful.