A stunning modern apartment has been transformed within a historic 1928 villa in Bolzano, Italy, showcasing how contemporary design can harmoniously coexist with architectural heritage. The 02A Studio has masterfully renovated the second-floor space, creating what they call "Casa Gino" - a project named after the owner's beloved dog who inspired the design approach.

Living in a historic building doesn't mean sacrificing modernity or the practicalities of daily life. On the contrary, it's precisely the dialogue between memory and present that generates surprising spaces capable of telling new stories without erasing those of the past. This philosophy drives the transformation of the approximately 1,020-square-foot apartment, which represents far more than a simple renovation - it's an exercise in balancing elegance and functionality.

The architects explain their vision: "We wanted to reinterpret this residence according to the needs of the new owner, but also of his inseparable dog Gino, to whom we owe the very name of the project: Casa Gino." The living room features the Anfibio sofa by Alessandro Becchi for Giovannetti, which has become the beloved Gino's kingdom, while designer pieces like the iconic Snoopy lamp by Achille and Piergiacomo Castiglioni for Flos and the coffee table by Gae Aulenti for FontanaArte complete the sophisticated aesthetic.

Upon entering Casa Gino, visitors immediately experience a sense of wonder. The entryway features a wall covered in mirrors that visually enlarges the corridor while cleverly concealing the volumes necessary for service rooms within - like a "secret window" that discreetly preserves functionality. On one side, the mirrored wall hides the laundry room, while on the left, the reflection of a built-in cabinet in glossy diamond lacquer catches the eye, illuminated by Nuvol Simple Wall sconces from Contain.

The main living space unfolds in a fluid continuum where the living room and dining room dialogue through ceiling stucco work, while Dedar fabric paneling gently envelops the perimeter. Asymmetrical lacquered wood arcades introduce the kitchen without breaking visual continuity, and carefully chosen details - like the glossy diamond furniture built into the wall and the pure steel volume - amplify the sense of environmental unity.

The dining area showcases the Regolo table by Gianfranco Fini for Poltronova, accompanied by Medea 101 chairs by the Tagliabue brothers and the SOF SOF sofa by Enzo Mari for Driade. The Otto Pendant suspension light by Servomuto illuminates the dining table, creating an intimate atmosphere against the Dedar fabric paneling backdrop.

In the kitchen, functionality meets high design through an Abimis steel island with a Paolathekitchen faucet by Mamoli, which dialogues with a custom glossy lacquered pantry. The Swedish Ninja wall sconce and TRN A1 Pendant Light by Pani Jurek complete the sophisticated culinary workspace, demonstrating how modern appliances can integrate seamlessly with historic architecture.

While the day area surprises with its airy space, the night zone seduces with its authentic suite atmosphere. Behind the bed, two iron and ribbed glass doors lead to a spacious dressing room and refined bathroom. Opposite, an Art Nouveau bay window reveals a hammam space entirely covered in resin, complete with bathtub, shower, and additional sink - a refuge dedicated to daily wellness.

The private bathroom adjacent to the bedroom features iron and ribbed glass bay windows that frame the space, with faucets signed by Giò Ponti for Mamoli. The Bonola sink by Ceramica Flaminia completes the space with an essential and refined touch, while the main bathroom is dressed in Alfabeto covering by 41zero41, centered around the Calla sink by Ideal Standard, signed by Palomba Serafini Associati.

The bedroom showcases a custom bed in wood and rattan with brass inserts, complemented by Bikini wall sconces by Servomuto, a Charleston radiator by Zehnder, Tarkett Arcade carpeting, and precious details such as Madeleine handles by Dnd. Custom iron and ribbed glass windows provide access to the dressing room, which opens like a natural extension of the private suite.

The project's coherence is further enhanced by hand-sanded solid chevron parquet flooring and the recovery of original doors and frames, echoed by stucco reproduced with artisanal care. In this balance between the assertive character of glossy lacquered joinery, the solidity of steel in the kitchen, and contemporary furniture, an apartment comes to life that combines the purity of geometries with the poetry of imperfection, proving that historic preservation and modern living can create extraordinary harmony.