Renovation and interior design of a historic building in Brescia
Italy
Restoration of a historic building with a new internal layout for greater functionality and a conservative renovation of the facades in harmony with the surrounding context.
Year
2019 – 2023
Project goals
The intervention focused on the renovation of a historic building in the center of Brescia, on Corso Garibaldi. The aim was to enhance the original architecture through the functional and architectural recovery of the five existing residential units and common areas, while improving livability and vertical accessibility.
Site conditions
The six-level building, organized around a central staircase, contained five residential units based on an outdated layout, along with deteriorated façades and a roof in need of replacement. Accessibility was limited, and the attic space was not yet considered suitable for residential use.
Design approach
While preserving the historic character of the building, the project reorganized the interior spaces for greater functionality. A new elevator was introduced to serve all floors, and the residential units were redesigned. Apartments on the first, second, and third floors share a recurring layout with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living area, and service spaces. On the fourth floor, a one-bedroom unit and a three-bedroom unit were created, the latter connected internally to the now-inhabitable attic.
Details and materials
The interiors feature modern and functional finishes and furnishings, with a focus on contrasts between different materials and colors, giving each apartment a distinctive personality while respecting the historic context. For the facades, the rear elevation was restructured by removing existing additions and reorganizing them into a central volume, while the main elevation on Corso Garibaldi was restored by preserving the original openings and decorative elements, with sober and timeless colors and materials in harmony with the neighboring buildings.
