Rome-based architecture firm StudioTamat has successfully transformed a compact 80-square-meter house in the heart of Italy's capital, using innovative design elements including glass floors, mirror ceilings, and sculptural staircases to create an illusion of spaciousness. The project, known as RA House, serves as an urban residence for a couple who split their time between multiple addresses.
Located within the courtyard of a late-19th-century building on Viale di Trastevere, the small dwelling presented unique challenges that required creative solutions. The architects were unable to confirm the building's original purpose, though local rumors suggest it may have served as both a residence for a train station caretaker and an office for a neighborhood doctor. StudioTamat's founders aimed to preserve the existing charm of what they call a "villino" while capturing the vibrant spirit of the Trastevere neighborhood.
"It was about amplifying spatial dynamism while keeping a coherent language throughout," explained architect Matteo Soddu, who leads the studio alongside partners Tommaso Amato and Valentina Paiola. The team's primary strategy involved rethinking the vertical arrangement of the three-level property to create a greater sense of height and openness.
The architects implemented several key design interventions to maximize the feeling of space within the compact structure. They replaced part of the original first-floor mezzanine with a structural glass floor, establishing a visual connection between the ground-floor living areas and the bedroom above. This transparent flooring element allows light to flow freely between levels while maintaining the structural integrity of the building.
A carefully designed void in the glass floor creates a dramatic double-height lightwell, which is illuminated by a newly installed window. Mirror ceilings throughout the space further enhance the illusion of endless vertical space, while a striking blue volume extends between the two main levels, efficiently housing kitchen and utility areas on the lower floor and an en-suite bathroom directly above.
The design incorporates several space-saving and multifunctional elements that demonstrate the architects' attention to detail. A custom bookshelf doubles as a staircase, providing access between the main living levels while maximizing storage opportunities. A separate spiral staircase leads to the second floor, which functions as either a study or guest room depending on the residents' needs.
"The first step was subtraction – to give breathing room to these compact floors," Soddu noted. "We preserved the essential structure and original terracotta floors, but played with pure volumes, reflected surfaces and a strong material thread. The mirrored ceiling above the blue volume creates a sense of vertical infinity."
Material selection played a crucial role in the overall design strategy, with the architects carefully balancing preservation and innovation. A significant restoration effort focused on the art-nouveau-style stained glass, which introduces vibrant shades of green, orange, and yellow to create an orangery effect at the front of the villino. This historical element serves as a colorful focal point while honoring the building's original architectural character.
Newly introduced materials include Verde Alpi marble, which appears throughout all levels of the residence but is most prominently featured as a striking podium at the base of a chestnut wood staircase that also serves as an integrated bookcase. Fluted glass provides semi-transparent partitions for the upper-level en-suite bathroom, while custom metal kitchen cabinets feature a sophisticated ombre effect that transitions from rose-gold to black.
The interior design incorporates a carefully curated mix of contemporary and vintage furniture pieces that complement the architectural interventions. Notable elements include a concrete dining table, vintage Thonet chairs, and a custom-made bed designed specifically for the space. These furnishing choices reflect the architects' commitment to creating a cohesive design narrative throughout the compact residence.
StudioTamat, founded by Soddu, Amato, and Paiola in 2014, has established a reputation for thoughtful residential and commercial projects throughout Rome. Their portfolio includes other notable works such as the interior design of Tre De Tutto, a restaurant located in southern Rome. The RA House project demonstrates the firm's ability to work within challenging spatial constraints while creating environments that feel both intimate and expansive.
The completed transformation showcases how thoughtful architectural intervention can dramatically alter the perception of space within historical buildings. Through the strategic use of transparency, reflection, and carefully selected materials, StudioTamat has created a modern living environment that respects its historical context while meeting the needs of contemporary urban life. The project serves as an example of how small-scale residential architecture can achieve significant impact through innovative design solutions.
