Casa LL . Milan

A transformative design that reimagines a postmodern office into a luminous private residence.

Nestled on the southern edge of Milan, Casa LL is a remarkable project by P·A·N, led by architects Filippo Cattapan and Davide Macchi. This innovative residence emerges from the conversion of a postmodern office building, showcasing a profound focus on spatial dynamics and the interplay of light and material.

The design emphasizes the shaping of voids and the spaces between solids, utilizing raw and abstract materials to create an airy environment. Extensive structural modifications allowed for the expansion of generous volumes, significantly enhancing natural light intake. The result is a series of unique spatial experiences, featuring soaring ceilings up to seven meters high, barrel vaults, and a blend of pyramidal and prismatic forms.

Half of the dwelling is dedicated to an expansive open-plan area, characterized by its meditative atmosphere and lack of specific function. This grand space is partially enveloped by a sculptural balustrade that guides visitors upward beneath the vaulted ceiling. In contrast, the other half of the residence comprises a compact arrangement of interlocking volumes that house various domestic functions, creating a constellation of intimate spaces that serve the main area.

The first floor rooms, with their pyramidal sections, extend toward infinity, illuminated by simulated skylights and real openings that pierce the existing vault. The project’s most distinctive feature is the dynamic play of light within the volumes, where natural and artificial light alternates, continuously transforming spatial perception.

Materials are employed in their raw state, with an emphasis on their natural textures. Steel, Chilean pine plywood, prefabricated reinforced concrete, green beola stone, industrial parquet, and microcement converge to define the residence's aesthetic. The garden reflects a blend of freeform and orthogonal designs, creating two realms: one that is inhabitable and another that remains contemplative and inaccessible.

Inside, the elements that define the voids are painted white, enhancing the chiaroscuro effect that delineates the volumes. Light serves as the primary architectural material, creating a sober yet welcoming atmosphere that transforms the monumental space into a true home.

Design Highlights

• Transformation of a postmodern office building into a private residence.

• Unique spatial conditions with ceilings reaching seven meters high.

• Open-plan space with a sculptural balustrade and vaulted ceiling.

• Distinctive interplay of natural and artificial light throughout.

• Use of raw materials preserving their natural textures.

• Garden design featuring both freeform and orthogonal elements.

Key Facts