A scenic Ego kitchen by Abimis constitutes the key feature of the refurbishment project for a contemporary loft in Florence. A stainless steel core that outlines the industrial space that surrounds it, liaising harmoniously with both the architecture and the furniture.
From an old industrial architecture comes a cosy and sophisticated loft
Industrial atmospheres, contemporary design, ‘contributions’ from the past and from the art world. This loft boasts extraordinary charm and it is situated in the Oltrarno arts and crafts district of Florence which has in recent years become now up and coming, in a kind of contrast with monumental Florence.
The building, in a former factory from the 1950s, immediately revealed its extraordinary potential. This is exactly why it was picked by its owners, contemporary art lovers and fans of finding rare and vintage objects.
The first step consisted in subjecting the industrial architecture to a major conversion task. Their idea was to create a large open space which, in philological respect of the existing structure, would “stage” their everyday experiences, their stories and their emotions. All this in a kind of ‘autobiographic display’ consisting of furniture, furnishings, icons of design and unique pieces. An authentic and charming blend of objects, styles and personal memories, capable of creating a strong sense of familiarity and of offering superior domestic comfort.
Details of the refurbishment
The building refurbishment resulted in open spaces without boundaries, so as to make the passage from one area to the other smooth and seamless. Settings featuring a strong personality and distinguished by a sophisticated scenic impact, while retaining the functionality required for a contemporary home. Developed over three storeys and obtained through the saturation of an inner courtyard, the loft is a cosy and protected place, which does not overlook the main road. It is a sort of Wunderkammer, defined in the utmost architectural and functional detail.
Its minimal structure, accentuated by exposed reinforced concrete beams, becomes a neutral backdrop which enhances the appeal of the furniture and emphasises the many artworks.
As you make your way gradually inside, all the existing architectural details, along with those which were added during the restoration work, are revealed, one by one. A plate glass floor that allows you to catch a glimpse of the dual height and the many skylights provide soft and suggestive light throughout. Here, every single element is part of a broader ‘polyphony’ made up of colours, lights and details. The brick red of the original arches is the only element of colour in a deliberately neutral environment, declined in shades of white. The old painted wooden beams are white, the walls are white, and the floor is white too.
The entire living room revolves around the Ego kitchen model.
The ground floor, the largest setting in the building, develops around a scenic Ego kitchen model by Abimis. An island kitchen in stainless steel, custom made to accommodate the owner’s requirements and preferences. The Ego kitchen constitutes the ‘beating heart’ of this loft; the core element around which the surrounding spaces were subsequently defined and designed.
The stainless steel of the kitchen, in the polished mirror finish, gives its surroundings a modern and bright look. Indeed, stainless steel blends in seamlessly with the industrial context, creating a sophisticated clash with the wooden furniture, the marble sculptures and the furniture, genuine icons of contemporary design.
The Ego island kitchen by Abimis constitutes the heart of the project, creating continuity between the living and dining areas without interrupting moments of sociability.
The central island kitchen is fitted with the exclusive recessed plinth in the Ego line, devised specifically for greater flexibility in all tasks. Lining the walls, the Abimis tall storage units, which feature the orbitally-polished finish, complete the kitchen and liaise with the sideboard and the old wood doors.
The distinctive bevelled flush doors are perfectly integrated into the structure of the Ego kitchen, and they are teamed with large ergonomic brass handles. The stainless steel worktop, which houses the cooking and washing area, is entirely joint-free to guarantee maximum hygiene, practicality and easy cleaning.
The Ego kitchen is made entirely of high-quality AISI 304 stainless steel, combining the superior performance levels of professional restaurants with the more elegant, clean-cut shapes of domestic kitchens. Since it is a “bespoke” kitchen, it is fully customisable according to the available space, the customer’s requirements and the designer’s concepts. Which is just what was done for this extraordinary Florentine project!
Project: Architect Mario Perini
Styling and research: Serena Dolfi
Photos: Matteo Cirenei
