Giulia Zucchiatti Architect and interior designer
Urban farmhouse
architectural intervention
Architectural and interior design project, executive project, and construction supervision
client
Private client
Floor area
90 smq
Photographs
Giulia Benedetta Costa
Collaborating companies
P&P Costruzioni, Falegnameria Legno e Forma, Florim Ceramiche, Negri Illuminazione, Bio Pitture Design

Within a historic farmhouse protected by Sovrintendenza delle Belle Arti, nestled in the greenery of Milan’s Parco Forlanini, the renovation of an apartment represented a design challenge centered on respect, harmony, and balance between tradition and modernity. The intervention involved careful restoration and enhancement, meticulously planned to preserve the authentic character of the residence while reinterpreting it in a contemporary key using natural materials and custom solutions.

A defining feature of the project is the original wooden ceilings, restored and left exposed, which bring warmth and historical continuity to the spaces. In the kitchen and bathroom, contemporary surfaces were chosen instead: large slabs from the Sensi series by Florim, designed by Matteo Thun, were installed on the floors. These slabs feature natural and understated textures that integrate seamlessly into the setting. To further warm the interiors, a selection of oak furnishings complements the tactile quality of the surfaces, creating a cozy and refined atmosphere.

The lighting was designed with both a technical and poetic approach: essential light fixtures by Davide Groppi subtly define the space, while iconic pieces such as Flos’s String Light and Nemo’s Lampe de Marseille introduce decorative accents that add personality without disrupting the balance.

The apartment’s complex layout allowed for an interior design almost entirely free of doors, contributing to a fluid and airy perception of the spaces. The only exceptions, besides the bathroom, are a dramatic double-sided pivot door that separates the sleeping area: on one side, a textured decorative panel created by Bio Pitture di Design; on the other, a large mirror that expands the visual perception of the space. Inside, the door conceals a built-in bookshelf, seamlessly integrating aesthetics and function. Some walls of the residence were finished with hand-applied natural lime plaster, resulting in a porous, vibrant surface that interacts with natural light throughout the day. The addition of mica and straw fibers within the finish further enriches the texture and tactile sensation, transforming the wall into a truly sensitive and living architectural element.

As in the kitchen, the bathroom features large porcelain stoneware slabs by Florim, paired with wooden furnishings that provide continuity and warmth. The bathroom cabinet visually extends into the wardrobe area of the adjoining anteroom, creating a coherent and fluid composition. The sliding door, finished in the same material as the cabinetry, integrates seamlessly with the character of the furnishings and helps generate a sense of uniformity between the wardrobe and bathroom areas, enhancing the feeling of a unified and carefully balanced space. The result is a warm, essential, and timeless environment where the history of the place is respected and reinterpreted through a contemporary architectural language, sober yet rich in meaning.

Selected objects

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lampe de marseille

Azienda Nemo Lighting
Modello Lampe de marseille
Category Lampade

The Lampe de Marseille by Nemo Lighting, designed by Le Corbusier in 1952, is an iconic wall lamp with a sculptural yet functional character. Made of aluminum with articulated arms and an adjustable diffuser, it combines direct and indirect light, offering great versatility. The white inner walls amplify brightness, while the structure -available in white, black, or matte gray- fits both modern and classic settings. Ideal for sophisticated environments, it retains the charm of industrial design with timeless elegance.

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String Light

Azienda Flos
Modello String Light
Category Lampade

The String Light by Flos, designed by Michael Anastassiades, is an elegant and contemporary pendant lamp conceived to create a graphic effect within a space. The long cables, inspired by suspended power lines, allow for free and dramatic configurations, transforming lighting into an architectural element. Available with either a cone or sphere diffuser, it emits a soft, diffused light thanks to the integrated LED. Perfect for modern interiors, it is ideal for those seeking a lighting system that is both functional and highly decorative.

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Mira

Azienda Davide Groppi
Modello Mira
Category Lampade

The Mira by Davide Groppi, designed by Omar Carraglia in 2012, is a wall lamp with an essential and refined design. Featuring a metal structure available in matte white or black finishes, it has an adjustable arm that allows you to direct the integrated LED light exactly where needed. Compact in size, it is ideal as a reading light or for highlighting architectural details.

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Jana

Azienda Cappellini
Modello Jana
Category Vasi

Clean lines and artisanal craftsmanship define the authentic elegance of the Jana vases, a collection designed by Antonio Forteleoni for Cappellini. Made from black stoneware and hand-thrown on the potter’s wheel, these decorative objects express refined formal simplicity and a strong material identity. The collection includes two different shapes and sizes, designed to naturally fit contemporary spaces while maintaining a deep connection to tradition.

The design is inspired by the material culture of Sardinia, reinterpreted in a modern key to create pieces that tell an ancient story through a contemporary language. The handcrafted process intentionally leaves imperfections and marks of the gesture, giving each vase uniqueness and personality. The effect of natural aging, which influences color and finish, adds further charm to this collection that sits at the intersection of art and design, memory and innovation.

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Newood Light

Azienda Cappellini
Modello Newood Light
Category Sedie

The Newood Light chair, designed by BrogliatoTraverso for Cappellini, is a contemporary reinterpretation of the classic bentwood chair, lightweight and elegant in its essential form. It is available in several sophisticated finishes, including bleached ash, black-stained, oak-stained, and Shanghai blue-stained, which highlight the natural wood grain, offering versatile solutions for both residential and contract environments.

The seat is offered in two versions: one in beech plywood veneered with ash in the same finish as the frame for a refined tone-on-tone effect, and the other upholstered with a fixed cover available in a curated selection of fabrics and leathers from Cappellini’s collection, allowing further customization to suit style and functional needs.

Newood Light stands out for its lightweight yet sturdy construction, slender profile, and attention to detail, making it a timeless design piece that combines craftsmanship and technology with a sober, enduring aesthetic.

Featured in Urban farmhouse Via Lario

Kata Sedia Lounge

Azienda Arper
Modello Kata
Category Poltrone

Kata is a seating collection designed by Altherr Désile Park for Arper, launched in 2024. This line stands out for its innovative use of solid wood available in FSC, certified oak or robinia and for employing 3D knit fabrics made from post-consumer recycled polyester, crafted to perfectly fit the seat structure while minimizing material waste.

The collection includes both chairs and lounge chairs, featuring a minimalist design and lightweight structure that evoke traditional craftsmanship reinterpreted with contemporary and sustainable solutions. The solid wood shells have a delicate texture and come in various finishes, including natural, black, and rust. The 3D knit upholstery is available in multiple patterns and colors, some of which are suitable for outdoor use. Additionally, optional cushions can be added for enhanced comfort, customizable with decorative stitching in contrasting or tone-on-tone colors.

Kata is designed with a focus on circular economy and sustainability, utilizing recycled materials and production techniques that reduce environmental impact. The collection has received several accolades, including the People’s Choice Award at the AZ Awards 2022 and inclusion in the ADI Design Index 2022.

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Infinito

Azienda Davide Groppi
Modello Infinito
Category Lampade

The Infinito lamp by Davide Groppi is a luminous installation that transforms lighting into a spatial experience. Conceived as a "spatial concept," Infinito is an ultra-thin stainless steel ribbon only 18 mm wide, slicing through space and producing indirect light. Available in standard lengths of 6, 12, and 18 meters, it can be adapted and oriented from wall to wall or ceiling to floor, up to 36 meters, offering great versatility in installation.

This lamp is a tribute to the art of Lucio Fontana and his spatial concepts, blending into the environment with subtlety and graphic strength. Infinito dematerializes the lamp object, leaving only a trace of light, essence and absence. It has received accolades such as the Archiproducts Design Award 2017 and the People’s Choice AZ Award 2017.

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Progetti
2024
Lake house Ristrutturazione M² 80 The complete renovation transformed a small apartment on Lake Como by reclaiming an attic space that was once accessible only through a hatch, making it more welcoming. A staircase was designed that not only connects the floors but also elegantly conceals the refrigerator and pantry, optimizing the space in a practical and harmonious way. Prime Alture Albergo M² 15 The refurbishment of the furnishings in a wine resort was inspired by the owners' passion for wine. Each room is inspired by a type of wine and is named after it, reflecting its unique characteristics. For example, the Malvasia room is dominated by the warm yellow tones of the wine, accompanied by details that evoke its elegance and depth, creating a cozy and immersive atmosphere. Via San Vittore Ufficio M² 200 The complete renovation of two offices, combining two adjacent apartments, enhanced the spaces by restoring the original floors and removing old interventions that were not in line with the building's original style, bringing elegance and coherence back to the environment. Via Piolti de Bianchi Residenziale M² 140 The partial renovation of an apartment for a young family focused primarily on the living area, combining rooms that were once clearly separated. The intervention created larger and brighter spaces, enhancing the functionality and welcoming atmosphere of the environment. Via Ripamonti Residenziale M² 100 The partial renovation of an apartment for a young couple involved a redistribution of spaces, with the creation of a new living area in a modern style, contrasting with the other areas that retain the charm of "Vecchia Milano." In the bathroom, cement tiles were used to align with the historic character of the building, while also preserving the authenticity of the original spaces.
2023
Ca' al Pazzo Residenziale M² 300 In a home nestled among the Tuscan hills, the project involved the renovation of the swimming pool and a series of landscaping interventions. A careful effort that restored harmony and beauty to the outdoor spaces, enhancing the connection between the rural architecture and the natural surroundings. Urban farmhouse Ristrutturazione M² 90 The renovation of a historic farmhouse within Milan’s Parco Forlanini, subject to restrictions by the Superintendent of Fine Arts, was carried out with careful restoration and enhancement. Every detail was thoughtfully designed, using natural materials in harmony with contemporary elements. The original wooden ceilings were restored and highlighted, giving the spaces an authentic identity that harmoniously blends history and modernity. Appartamento San Felice Residenziale M² 120 The partial renovation of an apartment in San Felice, Milan, for a young family addressed their needs by combining the kitchen and living room, creating an open and sociable space. A more defined entrance was created, and the bathrooms were renovated with spacious showers and modern design, resulting in a functional and contemporary environment. Da Bilocale a Trilocale Residenziale M² 70 The complete renovation transformed a one-bedroom apartment in Milan into a two-bedroom unit for a pair of young friends, featuring functional furnishings and space optimization that created a cozy and practical environment. Viale Romagna Residenziale M² 90 The design of the furnishings for a renovated home aimed to give it a new identity, transforming a somewhat dull space into a vibrant and welcoming environment. Through the use of colors, textures, and custom solutions, spaces were created that reflect personality and style, breathing new life into the rooms and creating a warm and dynamic atmosphere. Via Tacito Residenziale M² 90 The design of the furnishings and terrace for an entire newly built apartment maximized every space, creating continuity between the interior and exterior. The spaces were designed to flow harmoniously, with custom solutions that optimize the area and promote a natural transition between the living area and the terrace.
2022
Via Lario Residenziale M² 150 The complete renovation of an apartment for a family completely transformed the original layout, creating more functional and modern spaces. The elegant blue kitchen is separated from the dining room by a large bookshelf that acts as a partition but, when left open, perfectly connects the two areas. Storage spaces and built-in doors were created within the custom-made furnishings, optimizing every corner of the home with practical and elegant solutions designed to meet the family’s daily needs. Via Amadeo Residenziale M² 90 The complete renovation of an old apartment, while keeping a limited budget, aimed to create more brightness through the use of light colors and targeted design solutions, optimizing the space without compromising on style. Piazza Occhialini Residenziale M² 80 The design of the furnishings and upholstery for a newly built apartment focuses on custom solutions, optimizing every corner to maximize space and create a functional and stylistically coherent environment. Via Andrea Verga Residenziale M² 100 The renovation of the two bathrooms transformed the spaces with eccentric details and bold design, creating striking and distinctive environments that combine elegance and originality.
2021
Uffici corso Magenta Ufficio M² 100 The office furniture design enhanced the existing space, creating an elegant and harmonious environment, with colored walls that highlight the atmosphere without overpowering the design. Casa vacanza Porto Rotondo Residenziale M² 110 The renovation of an apartment in Porto Rotondo enhanced both the interior and exterior spaces, designed with a consistent style to create a seamless extension between the cozy interior and the outdoor area, perfect for enjoying the surrounding views.
2020
Casa in montagna Residenziale M² 80 The renovation of the bathrooms in an apartment in Champoluc introduced a modern design, while the creation of a new staircase elegantly connects the two floors, with warm colors that evoke the mountain atmosphere, creating a cozy and refined environment. Da portineria a Bilocale Residenziale M² 80 The renovation of an old concierge’s lodge into a one-bedroom apartment transformed a once cramped space into a functional home.