A Minimal Loft Designed as a Neutral Architectural Space - Case Study
In Fermo, a 1950s family property has been transformed into a calm and contemporary loft apartment by Francesco Valentini. Originally built by the architect’s grandfather and previously home to several generations of the family, the top-floor apartment has now been reimagined as a highly personal living space centred around openness, simplicity and material continuity.
The renovation began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when unexpected construction delays provided an opportunity to rethink the original design approach. The existing layout was traditionally divided into multiple enclosed rooms, creating interiors that felt fragmented and restrictive. In response, almost all of the internal walls were removed, with only the partitions enclosing the main bedroom retained. Aside from the introduction of a new bathroom, the original openings and structure of the apartment were preserved, avoiding unnecessary additions and maintaining the integrity of the space.
The result is an interior conceived as a “neutral box” — a flexible architectural container where furniture, rather than walls, defines the living areas. The absence of visual barriers allows the apartment to feel open, fluid and adaptable, with each space connected through light, materiality and proportion.
Natural materials informed every aspect of the project. Floors, walls and ceilings were designed in a consistent palette to create a seamless visual effect throughout the loft. A warm light-grey resin flooring runs continuously across the interior, paired with textured plaster finishes that enhance the soft and understated atmosphere of the home.
Furniture elements introduce contrast and structure within the open-plan environment. The kitchen, for example, is defined by four black storage columns positioned centrally within the space rather than against the walls. Arranged back-to-back in pairs, the volumes appear almost sculptural — creating a floating architectural feature that subtly divides the interior without interrupting openness or natural light.
Much of the furniture was designed by the architect himself, using honest materials such as stone, timber and iron combined with a restrained colour palette. The bespoke kitchen table continues this approach, featuring a simple metal frame paired with a terrazzo-inspired surface that reinforces the project’s minimalist character.
Flush-to-wall systems from ECLISSE play a central role in maintaining the clean architectural language of the loft.
At the entrance, the project features the ECLISSE 40 Collection — a flush hinged door system distinguished by its elegant 40-degree bevelled frame. Positioned with the flush side facing the apartment and the bevelled reveal opening towards the staircase, the system introduces depth and perspective while remaining visually understated. The tobacco-coloured frame and matching handle provide one of the few moments of contrast within the otherwise soft and neutral palette, emphasising the architectural detail without overpowering the space.
Elsewhere in the loft, minimalist sliding pocket doors continue the same design philosophy. Finished in the same plaster as the surrounding walls and without visible handles, the doors blend seamlessly into the architecture, allowing surfaces to remain uninterrupted and visually calm.
This attention to continuity extends to the glazing systems, where aluminium-framed triple-glazed windows have been designed with concealed external frames to maximise transparency and natural light. The same 40+1 handle design used on the windows is repeated on the ECLISSE 40 Collection doors, reinforcing consistency across the interior.
For Francesco Valentini, the project was guided by the belief that homes should reflect the people who live in them rather than the signature of the architect. The loft was therefore designed not as a space for display, but as an environment focused on wellbeing, comfort and everyday living — qualities that became increasingly significant during the pandemic and continue to shape contemporary residential design today.
By combining open-plan living with integrated flush-to-wall systems and a restrained material palette, the project demonstrates how minimal architecture can still feel warm, personal and deeply connected to the way people live.
Project: Private Loft Renovation
Location: Fermo
Year: 2020
Project Type: Residential renovation
Architect: Francesco Valentini
Size: 110 m²