Rocha Apartment is home to the out-of-the-box creativity of Italian architects Matteo Colombo and Andrea Serboli – the brains behind Barcelona-based CaSA Architecture. The two designers combined creative forces – and very different backgrounds, with Colombo’s specialty being housing, retail and interiors, and Serboli’s forte of landscape architecture and public spaces – and the result is beautifully balanced spaces. This holiday home is airy yet cozy, contemporary with a touch of tradition, all at once. Interiors have a bright alfresco look and feel, while the outdoor terrace space is well equipped for dining and entertaining in the open – one might argue, even more so than interiors!
This interior sitting area has an outdoor patio look and feel, courtesy of the casual exposed brick and uncovered wood frame lining the interior walls. This simple space is furnished only with cushions – akin many typical outdoor living spaces – and a few thoughtfully placed plants and accessories on display. A large window is dressed in gauzy curtains which obscure the view, but let the sunlight spill in unhindered.
Love this simple, natural wood detail!
Of course, in keeping with the home’s indoor / outdoor feel, the brick-enclosed sitting area opens to the true outdoors through a large folding glass door. Maintaining continuity between indoors and out, the brick and exposed wood framing naturally lead the eye out onto the terrace.
Beyond its outdoor space, the bright white interior is truly befitting of its true vacation calling. From the architects, “The brief was to transform this neglected, very badly distributed apartment into an attractive holiday home.” This meant re-thinking the layout, and re-creating a floor plan that would let light – and life! – flow seamlessly from one living space to the next.
Large doorways and windows achieved the goal of an open “holiday atmosphere.”
“The terrace that had been closed years ago with a roof and aluminum window frames, has now been resumed, opened and extended towards the interior, in the living room, by treating part of the indoor space as outdoor,” according to CaSA.
Opposite the red brick “room,” a white brick wall offers the same rustic flair, but with a more modern edge.
Simple decor maintains the home’s uncluttered, relaxing atmosphere – a must for a holiday home in this busy urban center.
An arched window invites the outdoors in through its pleasing opening, a shape echoed in a small serving table, just below the bar shelf and ideal for taking cocktails to guests chilling outdoors.
We love the unconventional way that this window opens – just another simple surprise in this charming holiday home.
In perfect step with the continuing lines between indoors and out, the serving table extends onto the terrace in the form of a dining table.
The way the designers incorporated plant life into architecture adds an earthy element to the home.
Despite its natural appeal, the home doesn’t fall short on contemporary touches, which appear through in the form of an avant-garde white fireplace and retro-modern furnishings. An undulating ceiling creates an intriguing focal point overhead.
The kitchen is minimal, looking virtually unused – after all, who wants to slave away while on holiday?! Perhaps the clean look is due to smart storage and tidy habits.
The white walls and countertops amplify the bright light spilling in through the small but strategically placed window.
At the far wall, a large wood door lures you with its curious, cobalt blue frame.
Another of the home’s cool surprises is revealed when the door swings open. A long blue hallway leads into a previously undisclosed wing of the home.
Just try to stop yourself – we dare you!
At the far end of the blue tunnel is a bedroom. Here’s a sneak peek.
Inside, it is surprisingly bright and open, in keeping with the home’s general look and feel. Glass walls enclose the bathing area, which is possibly thanks to the room’s total seclusion from the public areas of the home.
CaSA Architecture
photo credit: Roberto Ruiz
