Federico Delrosso’s studio is located in Biella’s old town, enclosed in the walls and architectural structure of a former textile factory, which was converted in 2001. The studio was created by uniting the factory’s two original structures, one characterized by its sheds and the other arranged on two floors. This project is part of the architect’s larger plan aimed at renovating an entire architectural complex.
To allow light to play a lead role in the new structure, the project centered on the elimination of the curtain walls along the side of the entrance as well as of the roof over the driveway. This reduced the original structure to a mere few and balanced architectural elements.
Minimalist qualities and clear formal solutions, paired with natural light, are the results of a project that principally aimed at creating a pleasant and functional work venue. The sheds house the rooms dedicated to planning and design while the remaining spaces are dedicated to the agency, the studio, a meeting room and a library. Though dissimilar, the areas in the new building are never really totally independent of each other so as to maintain the airiness of an open space, which covers a surface of 140 sq.m. Dominated by the use of white, the candid quality of walls and ceiling beams is interrupted only by the cast iron columns that anchor them, in respect of the original architectural structure. Reminiscences of the old textile factory are evident in the electric, heating and air conditioning systems, which remain exposed. Entirely designed by the Delrosso studio, the furniture is functional and harmonizes with the surrounding context and the kind of work carried out there.
Characterized by the large window overlooking the driveway, Mr. Delrosso’s work area extends along a thin border between interior and exterior, the stone flooring forming a boundary between it and the wood floor as though pushing it out, toward the courtyard, where light and peacefulness reign. The lamps – Toio, designed by the Castiglioni brothers, and Tizio, designed by Richard Sapper – reflect Delrosso’s work and philosophy: functionality, detail and a few but arduously sought decorative elements. Perfect example is the long container that hangs from the ceiling behind the work table. Made of red lacquered wood, it is the only colored object in the room. It floats in space as though serving as symbol par excellence of a specific style and modus operandi.
Total area: 165 sqm
photo credits: Matteo Piazza