Milanese architectural practice Co.arch Studio has breathed new life into an apartment situated within Mario Galvagni's renowned Giomein complex. By meticulously removing its former lavish decorations, the studio has skillfully brought the building's inherent angular lines and structural purity to the forefront. This thoughtful restoration not only pays homage to Galvagni's original vision but also injects a vibrant contemporary spirit into the space, creating a harmonious blend of past and present.
Alpine Apartment Transformed: Co.arch Studio Unveils Striking Renovation in Galvagni's Giomein
In the breathtaking Alpine setting of Breuil-Cervinia, Italy, a remarkable architectural transformation has taken place. Milanese firm Co.arch Studio, spearheaded by founders Andrea Pezzoli and Giulia Urciuoli, undertook the ambitious renovation of a bi-level apartment on the fourth and fifth floors of the iconic Giomein complex, originally completed by neo-modernist architect Mario Galvagni in 1972. The project's genesis lay in the apartment's previous state, characterized by an abundance of jacquard fabric, timber paneling, mirrored surfaces, and wall-to-wall carpeting, even in bathrooms. After assessing the irreparable wear of much of the existing decor, Pezzoli and Urciuoli made a decisive pivot towards a philosophy of "returning to the bare bones." This strategic approach allowed the inherent angular geometries and expressive elements of Galvagni's experimental building to emerge with renewed clarity and impact.
The architects meticulously designed the interior to respond to the building's distinctive features, such as the larch ceilings and bow-shaped windows, which echo the dramatic forms of mountain ridgelines. Inspired by Carlo Scarpa's Casa Tabarelli, the design thoughtfully plays with angular forms, colors, and material textures. A striking feature is the custom-crafted, oak-framed conversation pit in the living room, a nod to Mario Bellini's 1970s Camaleonda sofa. This inviting space faces a magnificent floor-to-ceiling fireplace crafted from Verde Alpi marble, a material generously used throughout the apartment, including steps and bathroom splashbacks. A newly introduced rotated-square window offers a captivating glimpse into the kitchen, which boasts pale green cabinetry and a sleek stainless steel counter. This detail, described by the architects as "a controlled homage to the luminous geometries of Galvagni's common areas," creates a visual dialogue between old and new. The apartment's three bedrooms include a primary suite featuring a restored Bellini-designed Le Mura bed and a playful children's room with a bespoke bunk bed. On the loft level, a bed platform is cleverly integrated into a window bay, complete with new timber shutters. Pale limestone floors grace the bathrooms and kitchen, while other areas are softened by a mix of Besana carpets. The Milanese owners have further personalized the space with an impressive collection of artworks by contemporary artists such as Pablo Bronstein, Iva Lulashi, Joanna Piotrowska, and Jeremy Shaw. Through a precise balance of preservation and innovation, Co.arch Studio has not only honored the 1970s spatial memory of Galvagni's design but also introduced a contemporary domesticity, inviting inhabitants to engage with the landscape as both a view and a structural condition of their everyday lives.
This thoughtful renovation by Co.arch Studio serves as a powerful reminder of how contemporary design can illuminate and celebrate the often-overlooked architectural masterpieces of the past. By stripping away extraneous layers and focusing on the essential forms and materials, the project allows the original architect's vision to shine through, proving that true innovation can lie in a respectful yet bold reinterpretation. It inspires a re-evaluation of mid-century modernism and its enduring relevance, demonstrating how older structures can be adapted for modern living without sacrificing their unique character or historical significance.