Historic Rome apartment revitalized with blue accents by DKA
Brick vaults and blue portals bridge history with contemporary living
1Historic brick vaults adapt to modern living
DKA architecture studio began renovating the 100-square-meter A12 Apartment in Rome by preserving existing brick vaults and high ceilings. Portions of load-bearing walls were opened to create visual and spatial connections between kitchen, living room and daily living areas. Historic structural elements formed the framework for intervention while maintaining the rhythm of original openings. The vaults continue to remind of the historic fabric throughout the updated layout.
2Blue tones transform thresholds into architecture
The apartment's entrance was designed as a central axis connecting two wings. Pale blue custom cabinetry along this axis integrates wardrobes and storage into a single volume. Deeper blue portals emphasize transitions between rooms, turning thresholds into architectural elements. In the living area, a custom-designed bookcase transcends furniture to become almost part of the room itself.
3Poliform kitchen highlights technical details
The kitchen by Poliform stands out with technical material choices contrasting the apartment's general color palette. Etched glass and steel surfaces create sharp contrast with oak parquet and existing historic textures. Reflective surfaces emphasize how new interventions distinguish themselves from the heavy material character of historic shell. Pale blue cabinets and dark blue details give the kitchen its unique identity.
4Children's room transforms with suspended net
The color strategy continues in private spaces. A suspended net in children's bedroom creates an additional layer for play, rest and movement, turning space into flexible living landscape. Blue, pale blue and red tones function beyond decorative accents to define volumes and transitions. Lighting by Flos and Artemide adds depth to contrast between old and new materials.
5Color palette guides spatial organization
A tightly controlled color palette serves as key to spatial organization. Blue tones integrate with custom furniture while red accents define volumes and passages. Red details on neutral bathroom floor continue apartment's chromatic language. Custom cabinetry and blue surfaces in bedroom highlight original vaulted ceiling.
6Legibility of historic fabric preserved
Through selective structural changes, custom elements and controlled color palette, DKA maintains legibility of A12 Apartment's historic fabric. The renovation allows brick vaults and blue joinery to coexist consciously in same space rather than smoothing away differences between periods. This approach establishes balanced dialogue between history and contemporary living.
7Custom details enhance functionality
Standout custom details in project were shaped by functional needs beyond aesthetic concerns. Long blue cabinets provide storage solutions while defining distribution axis. Bookcase offers storage while contributing to living room's architectural character. Suspended net in children's room increases spatial versatility with creative solution. Every detail was thoughtfully designed to facilitate daily life.
8Architectural intervention dialogues with history
A12 Apartment's renovation demonstrates how contemporary interventions in historic buildings can achieve balance. DKA's approach makes existing architectural elements framework rather than erasing them. Preserved brick vaults, emphasized high ceilings and controlled color palette create strong connection between history and modernity. Result is harmonious living space where different periods coexist.