In Milan’s Lambrate district, a former office has become a 45-square-meter loft-style apartment that fits bold design into a small area. The project, called Abode67, was completed by architect Piermattia Cribiori and the Atelierzero team. It includes a 10-square-meter mezzanine, turning a once-dark workspace into a flexible living and working area.
The space before: cramped and cut off
The apartment originally had two small workrooms, a bathroom, and a storage area. A dropped ceiling hid the room’s height, and internal walls blocked light from large industrial-style windows. The renovation removed all partitions, revealing a brighter, more open space. Instead of rebuilding walls, the architects used material contrasts, custom furniture, and strategic changes to define different zones.
A central cube that serves multiple purposes
At the center of Abode67 stands a cube covered in pleated red travertine. The structure supports the mezzanine bedroom and hides storage, a refrigerator, a walk-in wardrobe, and the bathroom entrance. The design was created with the client, a marble craftsman, to add texture to the space. The stone’s pleats match the folds of a nearby kitchen curtain, tying the two elements together.
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The cube is both useful and striking. By grouping essential functions into one block, the architects kept the open floorplan uncluttered while adding depth.
A curtain that conceals the kitchen—and changes the space
In open-plan apartments, kitchens often dominate the view, especially when the space also serves as a workspace. The client uses the apartment as an informal showroom for their marble business, so a clean look is important. The solution was a full-height curtain in deep red fabric. When closed, it hides the kitchen, letting the living area function as a calm lounge for meetings or gatherings.
The curtain also adds visual interest. Its color matches the travertine cube, while the flowing fabric softens the industrial feel. In small homes where rooms must serve multiple roles, this simple feature allows the space to adapt quickly. The kitchen disappears when not in use and reappears just as easily.
Lighting as a deliberate design choice
Pendant lighting in lofts can be difficult when electrical points are far from the ceiling. Instead of hiding the wiring, Atelierzero made it a key feature. In the dining area, a pendant light designed by the architects under their DeRerum label starts at the wall and zig-zags across the ceiling before reaching the dining table. The cable becomes a clean line, guiding the eye and subtly marking the dining zone.
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At the end hangs a polished steel disc light. Its reflective surface catches colors and movement, adding depth above the table. The design turns a practical issue—exposed wiring—into a distinctive detail that reinforces the apartment’s loft identity.
A bathroom with bold color
While the main living area uses a restrained industrial palette, the bathroom takes a dramatic approach. Every surface—walls, floor, fixtures, and cabinetry—is deep red. The look was inspired by David Lynch’s “Red Room” in Twin Peaks, where color shapes the experience of the space. Hidden inside the travertine cube, the bathroom feels like a secret room, revealed only as you move deeper into the apartment.
Since the space lacks natural light, the intense color creates atmosphere instead of fighting the darkness. The result is striking and cinematic, turning a functional necessity into one of the apartment’s most memorable features.
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Zones without walls
With all internal partitions removed, the architects needed another way to define areas. They used furniture and objects to create subtle boundaries. A low metal bookshelf and the back of the sofa stand almost back-to-back, forming a gentle divide between the living room and the rest of the open space. The bookshelf anchors the living area while keeping sightlines clear.
A tall plant and carefully placed objects further mark the transitions between zones. These elements guide movement without sacrificing openness. The approach is flexible—residents can rearrange or remove items as needed.
The apartment succeeds by balancing boldness and restraint. The central cube, red curtain, and zig-zag lighting make strong statements, but they’re grounded by a neutral base. The result is a space that feels dynamic yet not overwhelming, practical yet full of character. For a 45-square-meter apartment, that balance is impressive.
