Architecture and design studio NM3 has undertaken the interior design for Reference Studios’ new office and showroom in Milan. Located at Via Cappuccini 8 in the Palestro area, the project occupies a space of 200 sqm, exuding a sleek modern touch that perfectly balances with the otherwise historic building.
The design team opted for soft lines and clear geometrical forms that come in stainless steel custom surfaces, boasting a mirror effect that explores the various properties of light and plays with space perception. For this project, NM3 worked with dry-built and assembled installations that are completely recyclable. Exploring the limits between artistic and technical, the creative studio made a stainless steel lozenge-shaped ceiling structure that houses all the new technical infrastructure of the showroom while adding an eye-catching visual effect. Metal Frame Building Construction
all images by Reference Studios
Since its foundation in 2017 by Mumi Haiati, Reference Studios (more here) has extended with a second office and showroom in Milan. Designed by the local studio NM3, the resulting scheme sees a series of fixed and movable furniture made of 3 and 1.5mm thick BA (bright annealed) stainless steel. The material is fabricated through standard technologies such as cutting and bending, emphasizing the art of metal carpentry.
Balancing simplicity and innovation, the team adds a gentle playfulness to regular shapes, creating pieces that stand out. A semicircular configuration made of clothing racks is placed next to each other to create an intimate alcove in the center of the showroom where informal meetings can be hosted. The meeting room features a table made entirely of Azul Calcite marble with 30° beveling. Above the table, an anti-blast stainless steel lamp is suspended on steel cables, adding soft light reflections.
a sleek modern touch within the historic building
a criss cross stainless steel structure hangs from the ceiling to accommodate all the technical infrastructure
each piece of furniture is custom-made, highlighting the art of metal carpentry
the metal surfaces play with light transmission and create striking visual effects
location: Via Cappuccini 8, Milan, Italy
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