Combining opposites to arrive at a project that celebrates heritage and plays with irony
In a 1960s building nestled between San Giovanni and Pigneto in Rome, 02A Studio unveils its latest project: the new home of Martina Pinto and Alessandro Poggi. Once the property of designer Valerio Ciampicacigli, who crafted the original interiors, the apartment now merges the raw aesthetics of brutalism with the playful vibrancy of pop art, creating a dynamic dialogue of contrasts.
“This project embodies a perfect fusion of two worlds,” says Marco Rulli, co-founder of the studio alongside Thomas Grossi. “I love homes with a story to tell, and this one—with its layered patterns and eccentric furnishings—brings together different identities in a way that feels both unexpected and harmonious.”
Interior Design
02A Studio preserved the open-plan living space while reimagining the bedrooms to meet the family’s new functional needs. Within the 120 sqm apartment, a master suite with an ensuite bathroom and walk-in closet was created, along with a bedroom for their daughter Polly and a separate laundry area.
The goal was to infuse the space with distinctive elements that would reflect the personality and aesthetic of the clients while honoring the spirit of the previous owner’s design.
Together with the clients, we sought a balance between Ciampicacigli’s raw, minimal style and their love for geometric patterns, pastel tones, and a certain softness. The result is a striking interplay between rugged, raw surfaces and softer, glossy materials.
The built-in kitchen, adorned with milky D-tiles, stretches towards the large windows, while an exposed raw concrete pillar commands attention as the focal point of the living area. This space is divided into a raised dining area with a wooden platform and a lounge where the original 1960s terrazzo flooring peeks through the cemento di Luna resin coating.
The juxtaposition of such varied materials and textures defines the spaces, adding character and depth to the environment. Another signature element of the design is the use of wall decor, such as the lilac horizontal stripes in the hallway, which cleverly conceal a laundry closet.
While the living area leans towards a brutalist feel, the master bedroom is defined by soft atmospheres. Floored with light blue carpet and decorated with Murals wallpaper, the room embraces a cartoon aesthetic, where edges are banned, each corner features sinuous lines and generous padding and also carefully selected furnishings and curtains, creating a feeling of warmth and comfort.
The ensuite bathroom exemplifies how contrasts can create harmony. The entrance, framed by a pastel green wavy portal, leads to the sink area, featuring a pink fluted wood vanity. A sleek iron and glass partition adds privacy to the functional zones without sacrificing aesthetic appeal.
Marco Rulli continues: “Bringing together brutalist elements with the chubby pop sensibilities of the clients was the biggest challenge to us. Striking the right balance between the rugged character of the existing interior and the new decorative elements was key. The result is a unique apartment that not only reflects the personalities of its owners but also remains fully functional for family life.”
02A studio
Founded in 2014 by architects Thomas Grossi and Marco Rulli, 02A is an Italian architectural and interior design studio based in Rome. Driven by the vision of a broader approach to architectural design, the studio sees the concept of a “project” as a synthesis of multiple disciplines, especially when it comes to residential spaces. Each project begins with an in-depth understanding of the client’s practical needs and inner aspirations. This method is rooted in a passionate pursuit of compositional, functional, and technological solutions to create spaces that contribute to the happiness of those who inhabit them. 02A Studio has completed numerous residential interiors in Rome and shares its projects through captivating visuals and descriptions that narrate not just the final outcome but the journey taken to achieve it.
CLIENT: Martina Pinto
PHOTOGRAPHER: Giu Natalia
