Residential renovation in Rome. 104 sqm.​

Architect: Marzia Fiume Garelli – FiumeArchitecture

Photography: Antonio Catino - Catino Foto

Investment: €80,000 

Project Location: Piazza Prati degli Strozzi, Rome

Built in 2017

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Located on the fourth floor of a stately 1920s building in Rome’s prestigious Prati district, this 104 sqm (commercial) renovation by FiumeArchitecture breathes new life into a historic space. Originally part of a much larger residence that was later divided, the apartment has been masterfully redesigned to accommodate a dynamic young family of four.

The Project: A Dialogue Between Eras

The challenge of this renovation lay in its layout: a single-facing orientation that required a clever architectural strategy to maximize light and flow. The solution was an open-plan central living space, which serves as the heart of the home, connecting the private quarters while maintaining a sense of airy fluidness.

Restored Soul: Cementine & Family Memories

The design is a tribute to "architectural archaeology" and emotional heritage:

• The Cementine Tiles: The original patterned tiles were meticulously salvaged from the pre-existing larger apartment and reintegrated into the new project. They act as "material carpets," defining spaces and preserving the 1920s soul of the building.

• Grandmother’s Chandelier: A cherished family heirloom—a grand chandelier—was restored and reinstalled. Its intricate design inspired the wall-mounted branch-like lighting fixtures, creating a poetic continuity between antique craftsmanship and modern minimalism.

Modern Interventions

While the original windows and historic features were preserved, modern additions such as a custom false ceiling provide technical efficiency without compromising the aesthetic. The result is a home that feels both grounded in Roman history and perfectly tailored for the needs of two young children and their parent