Transforming an attic, focusing on colors and zenith light

We are located in Como, a very short distance from the famous lake. The colors of nature make the fifth to an elegant and orderly city. The apartment of this story is on the top floor of a historic building of the early twentieth century.

The owners are Beatrice and Filippo. Beatrice is in marketing in a furniture company, she has a great passion for interior design, about which she writes on her blog Il semenzaio delle idee. Filippo is a banking consultant, he loves to stay at home cooking but also ride a bike on the lakefront. Together they decided to put on what, after a complete renovation, has been their dream home for a year.

A courageous renovation started from the roof

At the design level, the main challenge faced was to gut the existing roof, and then rebuild it in a self-supporting way, that is, formed by a network of wooden beams and girders wedged together so that they unload the weights on the perimeter masonry part and no internal pillars are necessary.

This choice has made it possible to have an open living room in which the kitchen, dining area and living room are well defined but in continuous connection. A key role in this house is played by the zenith light, the good one, which comes from above; in fact, eight large VELUX windows for aquifered roofs have been inserted, which have made it possible to transform the environments of the house, both in terms of perception of spaces and brightness.

To complete the house two pretty patio terraces, in the center of the smaller sides, which in fact create a corridor that crosses and allows you to reach the different corners of the house. The openings on both sides, combined with those on the roof, create very effective natural ventilation. In fact, thanks to what is called the chimney effect, the air exchange is fast and, in the warmer periods of the year, the cooling of the rooms is immediately perceived, since the warmer air tends to rise upwards to give way to the cooler and cleaner one.

Open space what a passion

The main setting of the house is represented by an open space in which they find space, and somehow merge, the kitchen and the living room.

Filippo, a chef by passion, loved the idea of being able to share the time spent in the kitchen with Beatrice and friends. From this desire comes the choice to create a large island that invites you to spend moments of conviviality. The presence of two large roof windows in this environment has in fact created a “natural” extractor hood, which guarantees a constant and continuous exchange of air, avoiding the presence of bad odors throughout the living area and freeing the air from moisture.

Vintage, design, green thumb and natural light

Beatrice loves to visit markets in search of old furniture or chairs to restore. Its undeniable taste allows it to insert them in the best possible way in the contemporary furniture, with a Nordic flavor, chosen for your home.

Another passion of his is plants, which he takes care of every day and for which he loves to choose designer pots. An important ally in this passion is certainly natural light: even when there is bad weather, the rays of the sun enter from the roof openings and terraces, regenerating the greenery in the house and giving the feeling of living in much larger spaces.

Zenit light in every room in the house

With three large windows in the kitchen and five more spread out between the living room, bathroom, study and bedroom, the light in this home never fails.


The VELUX roof windows are all motorized and solar-powered, thanks to a photovoltaic cell placed outside (so you don't need to get to the power grid). The windows have a safety laminated internal glass and are equipped with a sensor that operates in case of rain, closing them immediately.

To improve comfort and well-being in their home, the young couple decided to insert external sun blinds on each skylight. Outdoor sun shields protect against the heat and are the ideal choice in any room where you want to keep a cooler temperature during summer days. All products can be easily managed with a smartphone, thanks to the VELUX App Control system.

Probably not even Beatrice and Filippo, the first time they had been in the attic, had imagined the result that would be achieved at the end of the work. Seeing it today, this wonderful apartment, you are bewitched by the beauty of every corner, by its colors, by the naturalness in which different styles blend. A love of beauty and an extraordinary light that conquers anyone who crosses the door of this fearless attic.