The MGN Apartment project is a black-and-white dialogue between memory and contemporaneity. It reinterprets the history of an apartment in Cuneo, transforming it into a visual narrative of contrasts, symmetries and sartorial details.

It strikes a balance between past and future, between the solidity of the existing walls and the lightness of the bespoke design. Renovating an apartment is never a neutral act; it is an explicit engagement with the passage of time. In the case of the MGN Apartment, located in the heart of Cuneo, this dialogue took the form of a subtle interplay between conservation and innovation, and between respect for the original structure and a desire for modernity. From the first site visit, KKArchitecture recognised the place’s evocative power: its thick walls were steeped in history and told of an important past, yet demanded a new narrative. Although the apartment was initially in poor condition, it exuded a lively energy that could be felt in every corner. This led to the decision, agreed with the clients, a young couple, to preserve the original layout and reinterpret it in a contemporary style.

Finding the right balance between conservation and reinvention

“Conserving does not mean simplifying or trivialising, but reinventing,” explains architect Maurizio Pol. The entire project takes shape from this idea, born from a reflection on the constraints imposed by the original structure, such as important and massive load-bearing walls which tell the story of the building, but which also limit the scope for radical intervention.

The clients wanted contemporary and functional spaces, so they chose to keep the existing floor plan and reinterpret the structure with a new design language. This was an initially controversial decision, but once the work was completed, it proved to be a successful one: the historic soul of the apartment remained intact but was reconfigured to tell a completely different story.

The starting point was the main entrance, a space that is often neglected, which in this case became the beating heart of the home. It was transformed from a simple hallway into a scenic backdrop capable of interacting with the living area, amplifying the perception of space and giving it depth and rhythm.

The main theme of the project, chromatic dualism, takes shape here. Black and white, light and shadow, and ancient and modern elements are intertwined in dynamic balance, dividing the apartment into two distinct areas with different functions. The bright, airy living area reflects the energy of daytime activities, while the darker, more intimate sleeping area evokes contemplation and tranquillity. These two spaces are in constant dialogue: the light of action and the shadow of contemplation.

Fluid spaces and tailored details

The blonde oak parquet flooring, laid in a continuous pattern, runs through every room like a textured carpet, establishing a thread of warmth that unites the home’s various spaces. The wood provides a neutral base onto which light and dark surfaces, plays of light and different textures are grafted, enhancing the perception of a coherent yet dynamic home.

The living area opens up into a large, fluid space that combines the living room, dining area and kitchen to create an orderly and scenic composition. The kitchen, which features a natural travertine island custom-made by local craftsmen, is the visual and functional centrepiece of the space. The monolithic volume of the island interacts with the anthracite grey wall behind it, which features single-panel columns marked by clean, continuous lines. Above, a series of smoked glass pendant lamps creates a refined luminous backdrop, while neutral fabric curtains filter the natural light coming in through the large side windows, softening the contrast between the linearity of the surfaces and the warmth of the floor.

The dining area’s glossy white table on glass legs reflects light, amplifying the sense of lightness. Meanwhile, the black chairs with their enveloping lines create a graphic counterpoint, echoing the black-and-white theme — the aesthetic signature of the entire project.
Vibrant pop artworks, deliberately inserted as ironic accents, break up the chromatic composure, adding a note of liveliness and personality.

The master bedroom is designed as a private suite, combining comfort and intimacy. The dark, velvety walls and ceiling envelop the space in a cosy, quiet atmosphere. The antechamber has been transformed into a walk-in wardrobe with backlit, transparent glass doors and metal frames, while the en-suite bathroom opens onto the bedroom through smoked glass walls, resembling a precious display case that interacts with light.
The double sink positioned beneath the window and the sensory shower complete the contemporary and sophisticated setting, where black and grey tones blend together to create an elegant and harmonious palette.

The second bedroom, intended for guests or remote working, adheres to the same principles of versatility and contrast, featuring neutral surfaces, continuous wooden flooring and elements that facilitate a seamless transition from a study area to a relaxation space while maintaining the apartment’s overall visual identity.

Invisible architecture and integrated comfort

One of the project’s most refined aspects is the management of its systems. Hidden within an ingenious interplay of veils and shutters, the air conditioning is controlled by four outlets that regulate the entire home. The black blades of the cooling system interact with the lighting tracks to create a play of parallel geometries on the ceiling, which amplifies the perception of height.

The KKARCHITETTURA approach

Founded by Maurizio Pol, the firm combines architecture, interior design and product design with a cross-cutting vision ranging from residential spaces to gardens and custom-made furniture. The innovative method involves breaking the design process down into modular packages, enabling clients to transparently select their desired level of service while maintaining control over time, costs, and objectives. “Our vision is of a personalised space that can change and adapt to accommodate different activities throughout the day or life stages,” explains the studio. “Hybrid, multifunctional and innovative, but above all, full of life.”

Talking About kkarchitecture

Maurizio Pol graduated with honours from the Faculty of Architecture at the Polytechnic University of Turin, specialising in architectural design and composition, technology, and sustainability. After gaining experience at various national and international firms, including Aedas Visconti, where he participated in competitions and large-scale projects, he founded kkarchitecture in 2012. This firm combines private projects with consulting for professionals.

The firm aims to bridge the gap between architects and clients by providing accessible professional expertise, eliminating concerns about unclear costs or timelines.

kkarchitecture specialises in architectural design, renovations, and interior design, adopting a modular approach. The client journey is divided into phases, from initial concept to project development and implementation, ensuring clarity, transparency, and a stress-free experience. Thekkarchitecture’s method is based on clear services, fixed costs, reliable timelines, and tailor-made solutions, and is designed to bring every residential or professional need to life with creativity and precision.

Suppliers and materials

Flooring

Parquet: Legni del Titano — Maxy blond oak 190×1000/2000×14 mm, rustic brushed finish

Bathroom coverings and furnishings

General supply: Idroterm Srl, Cuneo

Bathroom

Sink: Flaminia – Monoroll freestanding model, white, Ø44×85 cm

Sanitary ware: Ideal Standard, Strada series, white

Taps: Frattini, Spillo series

Heated towel rail: Irsap Arpa 18, vertical radiator H2020 L217 white

Wall coverings: Mirage Clay Verve 05 natural stoneware 60×60 cm; Mirage Jewels Extra White stoneware 60×60 cm

Master bathroom

Bathroom cabinet: custom-made, Corian top

Taps: Cristina Rubinetterie (CR)

Shower head: Cristina Rubinetterie (CR) 57×37 cm with waterfall, rain shower and integrated chromotherapy

Heated towel rail: Irsap Arpa 18, vertical radiator H2020 L217 matt black

Sanitary ware: Blend Curve series

Shower with Geberit drain

Wall coverings: Mirage Noor Melk RR04 natural stoneware 60×120 cm; Mirage Clay Verve 05 natural stoneware 60×120 cm

Kitchen

Custom-made kitchen furniture by local carpenter

Natural travertine countertop and island

Built-in appliances

Furnishings and lighting

Sofa: Saba Italia

Double bed: custom-made

Lamps and lighting: Secret of Light – Bosticco, complete supply

Doors and glass walls: Vetreria Chierese, custom-made

Flush doors: Bertolotto

Custom-made woodwork

Bedroom wardrobes, boiserie, entrance hall, TV unit and children’s bedroom: custom-made by local carpenter

Project credits

Project title: MGN Apartment

Location: Cuneo, Piedmont – Italy

Surface area: 100 m² total

(living/dining room: 30 m²; kitchen: 11 m²; hallway: 5 m²; small bedroom: 10.5 m²; master bedroom: 15 m²; walk-in closet: 9 m²; master bathroom: 6.7 m²; utility room/laundry room: 2.2 m²; guest bathroom: 5 m²)

Year of construction: 2024

Project and construction management: kkarchitecture

Designer: Arch. Maurizio Pol

Type of project: Complete renovation of residential apartment

Cost of project: [not disclosed]

Photographs: Greta Rosati – Instagram → @gretarosati_ph

Please send us your article (PDF or URL) if you publish the project.

press@thus-newswire.com