Architect: Marzia Fiume Garelli – FiumeArchitecture

Photography: Francesco Catino – Catino Foto 

Project Location: Via Lago di Lesina, Rome

Built in 2012

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The design philosophy centers on "silent" architecture—intervening only where necessary to enhance the historic character without erasing the traces of time.

• Preserved Materiality: A key decision was to leave the original flooring untouched. The aged surfaces serve as a continuous narrative throughout the house, grounding the new intervention in its 1930s heritage.

• Structural Respect: The layout of the bathrooms was kept in its original position to minimize invasive structural work, demonstrating an sustainable approach to renovation that values existing infrastructure.

• Transparency and Light: To divide the spaces without closing them off, large glass partitions (vetrate) were introduced. These glass walls act as light-transmitting diaphragms, allowing the two new environments to feel interconnected and airy while providing the necessary functional separation.

• The 1930s Context: The project celebrates the high ceilings and classic proportions of the era, using the minimalist lines of the new glass elements to create a sharp, elegant contrast with the historic shell.

This intervention proves that modern living requirements—such as splitting a large property—can be achieved with surgical precision, leaving the original charm of the "old Rome" buildings intact.