A Single Man House: Contemporary Residence by MARGUTTARCHITETTURE

Located on a historic Roman street, this former artist’s studio was transformed into an elegant home featuring dual views: a lively street front and a secluded bohemian garden. Highlights include soaring ceilings, a full-height modular library inspired by Shiro Kuramata, and a luxurious transparent bathroom with a Turkish bath. The renovation balances historic character with contemporary design, creating intimate and functional spaces throughout.

Elif Ayse Sen13 September 20251 Mins read219

A Single Man House: Contemporary Residence by MARGUTTARCHITETTURE

A Single Man House: Contemporary Residence by MARGUTTARCHITETTURE example

A Single Man House: Contemporary Residence by MARGUTTARCHITETTURE illustration

A Single Man House: Contemporary Residence by MARGUTTARCHITETTURE detail

A Single Man House: Contemporary Residence by MARGUTTARCHITETTURE overview

Situated on one of Rome’s most captivating streets, this distinctive residence was originally an artist’s studio, a common typology along this historic thoroughfare, known for its generous internal heights. The renovation transformed it into an elegant home with dual perspectives: one facing the bustling street and the other opening onto a secluded, bohemian garden overlooking the Pincio.

The initial phase of the project focused on structural remediation, involving extensive consolidation to stabilize the building. This enabled the restoration of the original wooden ceilings and the reopening of the large arched window that frames the garden courtyard.

The main living area boasts ceilings reaching nearly 6 meters, where a newly inserted iron staircase and walkway connects the upper level, dedicated to private spaces. Beyond linking the two floors, the staircase also provides access to a full-height library that spans the living room wall. The library’s modular design, inspired by the golden ratio, references the work of Japanese designer Shiro Kuramata.

On the upper private floor, a spacious, fully transparent bathroom incorporates a luxurious Turkish bath and serves as the backdrop to an equally transparent wardrobe. From this elevated vantage point, there is visual connectivity to a second room on the lower level, where a precious tapestry is displayed.

This lower room, called the “bell tower” due to its slender floor plan and soaring 6-meter height, is the home’s most intimate space. Restored wooden ceilings enhance its secluded atmosphere, creating a retreat ideal for music, reading, or quiet contemplation.

The exposed ceiling across the main areas posed significant lighting challenges, addressed through spotlights mounted directly on steel beams. In addition, custom pendant lamps (Candela di Vals by Viabizzuno) descend to 230 cm above the floor, blending functionality with sculptural elegance.

Photography: Carbonelli&Seganti con la direzione artistica di FRS-atelier

Written by

Elif Ayse Sen

Elif Ayse Sen is a senior architecture writer at illustrarch. A trained architect with a B.Arch from Altınbaş University, she covers interior design, architecture schools and education, and residential design, and has written hundreds of articles for the publication.