A Bed & Breakfast transformed into a modern residence with an enchanting view of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore​.
Located near the picturesque Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, Casa Carlo Alberto has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a Bed & Breakfast into a charming residential apartment. The renovation was overseen by DHDI studio of Daniel Hunziker in collaboration with Maria Adele Savioli. Daniel Hunziker and his wife, owners of the property, chose Rome as the place to return to after their frequent business trips, to feel ‘at home’.
The apartment, situated in Rome's Esquilino district on Via Carlo Alberto, is within a building dating back to 1870 and covers approximately 110 square metres. The renovation aimed to restore the original room dimensions and internal structures, such as the wooden ceilings previously concealed by cane chamber ceilings, with traces still visible on the walls. Two horizontal elements highlight the restored heights: the change in wall finishes, left raw and unpainted, and the original finishes. The pre-existing cement tile floors have been carefully restored, integrating reclaimed elements to preserve their authenticity.
The spatial reorganisation has created a new circularity of the rooms, facilitated by two structural modifications to the load-bearing walls that redefined flows and perspectives. The focal point of these new openings is a window framing the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, creating a striking visual dialogue between the interior and exterior that significantly enriches the living experience.
The vintage furniture and lamps from the 1950s and 1960s, alongside contemporary pieces created by Daniel Hunziker, combine a comfortable sense of nostalgia with a modern aesthetic, transforming the home into a temporal refuge. The furnishings have been carefully selected to harmonise with the building's historic architecture and include iconic design pieces such as the Florence Knoll dining table, the Eero Saarinen armchair and Gio Ponti chairs. In the living room, an impressive oak ceiling frames a Zanotta velvet sofa and a height-adjustable table by Daniel Hunziker for Horgenglarus. Meanwhile, the armchairs from the BS Collection, with their elegant black steel structure, reflect the designer's innovative approach.
This project represents an ideal balance between preserving the identity of the place and introducing innovative elements, thereby creating a modern design that celebrates and enhances its history. Text description by the architects.
