Dezeen Magazine

Elena by Deltastudio

Deltastudio converts concrete warehouse into minimalist family home

Architecture practice Deltastudio has turned a former agricultural warehouse in Italy into a house with a balcony framed with white curtains.

Called Elena after one of its owners, the home sits in a chestnut grove overlooking the town of Caprarola in central Italy.

Elena by Deltastudio

The original warehouse had two storeys connected by an external staircase.

"The starting point is a structure designed for agriculture," said Deltastudio. "A rough volume articulated on two levels, warehouse in the basement and laboratory on the upper floor,"

Elena by Deltastudio

Deltastudio used this existing division to create spaces for the family who live there, with more private areas for the parents.

A deep concrete portal frames the entrance, leading into a bright internal stair.

Elena by Deltastudio

This staircase is illuminated by double-height windows cut out of the corner of the structure.

Internal areas are oriented depending on the surrounding views, with the living space looking out towards the town.

Elena by Deltastudio

The bedrooms look towards the quieter countryside, and are divided by a central wood-panelled volume.

Elena's upper level opens onto a balcony that surrounds the majority of the building, sheltered by the overhanging flat roof.

Elena by Deltastudio

A slim, black-steel balustrade connects to a larger steel grid that wraps around this balcony.

This sense of enclosure can be enhanced by drawing small sections of white curtain.

Elena by Deltastudio

"Horizontal and vertical elements frame the views, define spaces, perform the functions of shading during the day and those of lighting in the evening," said Deltastudio.

Interiors have been kept minimal, with white walls, grey plaster, concrete and pale wood.

Elena by Deltastudio

"The horizontal surfaces, devoid of geometry, infuse in the rooms a natural continuity interrupted only by the large wooden block that hides and separates the functions," said the studio.

"On the interior scenic backdrops, the light enhances the sculptural materiality of the furniture, simple and bright, a synthesis of a rediscovered harmony between architecture and context."

Elena by Deltastudio

Deltastudio, which was founded by Dario Pompei, has also turned an old agricultural building in Caprarola into a monochrome home.

Photography is by Simone Bossi.

More images and plans

Elena by Deltastudio
Elena by Deltastudio
Elena by Deltastudio
Elena by Deltastudio
Elena by Deltastudio
Elena by Deltastudio
Elena by Deltastudio
Elena by Deltastudio
Elena by Deltastudio
Elena by Deltastudio