Unconventional Loft Apartment Born From An Old Roman Barn

The Trastevere area in Rome, Italy still has a number of old stables/ barns from the early 1900s, some of which have been converted into something else. One such case is the loft apartment designed by MdAA architects, a studio established in 1990 and composed of a team of professionals with specific work backgrounds that develop projects ranging from complex buildings to interior designs and even street furniture. The team’s goal is to provide the client with a well-rounded service, which is exactly what they did in this case.

Rome stables converted into loft apartment large column from different angle

Given the original function of the building, the apartment features interior spaces that are very large compared to the overage homes in the area. The history of the structure also reveals certain architectural details such as the existing trusses in all the spaces and the existence of ceilings that reach 10 meters in height in some areas.

Rome stables converted into loft apartment living room arched openings

The ground floor is a large, open and unconventional living space which combines traditional and modern design elements. The materials used throughout come from different ages and in different forms but they mainly fall under one of these three categories: metal, wood and glass. Large glazed surfaces allow natural light to enter the living areas on the ground floor, ensuring a bright, airy and pleasant ambiance throughout.

Rome stables converted into loft apartment metal tunnel suspended from roof
Rome stables converted into loft apartment metal and wood combination

But the most interesting and unusual part of the apartment is not the spacious living area but the master bedroom. Creating this space was the biggest challenge for the design studio. The client wanted this space to be completely separated from the social areas on the ground floor but, at the same time, to remain open.

Rome stables converted into loft apartment metal tunnel side
Rome stables converted into loft apartment metal tunnel

The goal was not to let the noise from the living spaces reach the sleeping area and, in order to fulfill this request, the team had to get creative. They took advantage of the extra high ceiling and designed tunnel-like structure suspended under the roof.

Rome stables converted into loft apartment large column supports sleeping area

As a result, the sleeping area ended up looking like a metallic tube structure supported at one end by a round inclined column and by the entrance structure on the other.

Rome stables converted into loft apartment living room accent lighting

The sleeping area is accessible via an industrial staircase leading to a gallery that surrounds the whole volume. Metal, wood and glass are the three main materials used throughout the apartment. The large column that supports the sleeping area is covered in wood and establishes a harmonious connection between the wooden floor and the metallic ceiling. The wooden roof brings the décor to a symmetrical end.

Rome stables converted into loft apartment sleeping area window

The bedroom only has one window which overlooks the living room. The space is lit through the ceiling. The center of the ceiling is glazed and the light entering the openings in the roof gets filtered into the sleeping area, allowing it to be bright but maintaining a warm and cozy ambiance.

Rome stables converted into loft apartment glazed ceiling
Rome stables converted into loft apartment bedroom interior

Taken individually, each space has its own unique character. The dining area, for example, has a really traditional design but put into context is feels like a natural addition to the whole composition.

Rome stables converted into loft apartment dining room traditional design
Rome stables converted into loft apartment dining room interior

The interior design in general is a combination of modern and traditional elements. Features such as the large hanging chandelier in the living room, the arched openings, the wooden roof and even the color palette are designed to complement a series of simplistic elements and to eventually establish a harmonious décor.

Rome stables converted into loft apartment living room chandelier