simone micheli enlivens futuristic mirrored house in florence

simone micheli enlivens futuristic mirrored house in florence
all images courtesy of simone micheli

designed by italian architect simone micheli, the house is surrounded by renaissance villas on the hillside of settignano in florence. hidden behind a xxth century façade, the futuristic-looking interior consists of multiple mirrored surfaces that reflect the outside world in, creating a clash between the opposing aesthetics. the project saw the union of two small apartments with very different characteristics to create a bright, contemporary environment. spread across three levels, a play between solids and voids incorporates an open-plan living, dining and kitchen.

the living room consists of rounded furniture pieces and mirrors

doorways become a feature throughout with an original wooden piece dismantled and reassembled onto an armored one, while the other side was decorated with a laser cut quote over a mirrored back panel. the round floor layout in the main part of the house is connected to the intermediate spaces, a bathroom and guest room, which are accessed through white doors with silver chrome handles.   

the pillars are wrapped with mirrors and enhanced by reflective lighting

in parts of the structure, an ancient brick wall is exposed, as reminder of its medieval architecture origins. a veil of white lime plaster runs throughout, enhancing the geometry and surfaces of the connections. the furniture and furnishings was also designed by simone micheli, the sofas seem to float over the bleached parquet floor and are positioned facing a rounded corner cabinet.

the open-plan kitchen and dining room

the kitchen consists of two blocks containing the stove and fridge cabinet and directly opens onto the dining room, which has a table made from a scented cedar trunk. this area can be easily screened off with two roller blinds and has dividing pillars that are coated with mirror panels enhanced by a multi-colored light strip.

house

the bedroom is equipped with white lacquered full height cabinets with an island bed that has an upholstered headboard. the wooden loft on the second floor consists of a large, automated skylight and hosts a small video room, fitness area as well as a set of bookshelves on an asymmetric stainless steel structure, screened off by roller blinds. designed as an outdoor living space, the third floor terrace offers an area to barbecue with a kitchen and gas stove. this entertainment spot can be sheltered with a retractible blind that is set on a carbon fiber and stainless steel structure.

the bedroom

house

house

the circulation space

the entry to the house

project info:

location: florence, italy
size: 186 smq
year of realization: 2013
design: arch. simone micheli
structural plans: eng. andrea lombardi | studio aia
plans for hydro and heating system: eng. loris dal cin | idrosistemi
photos: juergen eheim

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