OM
Residency
Villa Arconati
Milan 2022
The Arcane Heritage: Unveiling Secrets at Villa Arconati
Step into the enchanting past of Villa Arconati's historic barn, where each corner holds a captivating tale. Discover the mesmerizing allure of the transformed west facade, adorned with eleven magnificent arcs enclosed in translucent glass. Uncover the secrets within the newly renovated middle arc, an enticing blend of original brick walls and modern metal structure. Ascend the illuminated stairs, guided by the building's light cannons, to a balcony that connects you to a realm of architectural marvels. Embark on an extraordinary journey through the heart of this captivating structure.
The balcony provides a panoramic view of the entire building. OM-Residency offers short-term accommodation for architects and artists, with private rooms, semi-private workspaces, a co-living area, and open exhibition spaces. Renovation preserved the building's historical features while adding elements and objects. Natural light is enhanced through light canons and skylights. The location was chosen for its proximity to Meridiana, home to OM-studio architecture project.
The building boasts two light cannons: one positioned above the entrance and another in the public working area. These Fiber Glass structures, supported by steel studs, serve dual functions. Firstly, they enhance illumination, while also offering captivating sky views within the double-height spaces.
With their white color and laminated transparent glass, the light cannons become project highlights, illuminating the interior while connecting it seamlessly with the expansive sky.
The Barn building incorporates a new connecting element to link its key spaces. This element begins with a central arch and extends through a staircase, ultimately leading to the balcony. Positioned within a double-height area, the balcony serves as both a circulation space and an exhibition area.
From this vantage point, one can observe the shared working spaces, semi-private working areas, and exhibition area. Notably, this new structure also plays a role in stabilizing the previously unstable portions of the Barn building. The element stands out in the diagram with its yellow color and is constructed from metal.