The “Portus Urbe” residential complex is located in the heart of Rome, in the fascinating context of Trastevere, right where the historic river port of Ripa Grande once stood.
The project consists of an ambitious urban regeneration and building renovation intervention that involves a change of use for an existing building, transforming it into a modern eight-story residential complex with 143 apartments. Through this intervention, we restored coherence to an originally fragmented architectural volume, redeveloping the outdoor spaces, regularizing the facades, and significantly improving the neighborhood’s pedestrian experience.
The soul of Portus Urbe is based on a fascinating “dialogue between historical memory and current context”.
On one hand, the design evokes the imagery of the ancient commercial port, reinterpreting typical naval materials such as carpentry wood, light sails, and the iron tie rods of the piers. On the other hand, the project pays homage to the tradition of the post-war “Roman palazzina”, famous for its extraordinary attention to construction details, visible in the design of the loggias and cornices. The result is a building that becomes an “urban landing”, acting as an elegant threshold between Rome’s past and its present.
The building aims for prestigious international certifications such as LEED Gold, NZEB, and Cradle to Cradle. This translates into very high energy efficiency (photovoltaics, heat pumps, high-performance envelope), water reuse, and the use of low-impact materials. The biophilic design is enhanced by the large private gardens on the ground floor and the new public green planters that mitigate the urban heat island effect, promoting well-being according to Fitwel parameters. Accessibility is absolute, thanks to the installation of new, double compliant elevators in all stairwells.
A perfect balance between the living comfort of contemporary architecture and the breath of history, in a vital crossroads just a short walk from the heart of Trastevere.
The facades have been differentiated in response to their orientation. The South (urban) front is enriched with large balconies protected by deep slabs, micro-perforated panels, and brise-soleils that modulate the light, embellished with a wood-effect WPC false ceiling that visually unifies the building. The North front, conversely, is more sober to maximize natural light, characterized by thin metal tie rods that pay homage to naval tradition and the works of architect Venturino Ventura.
Portus Urbe offers a living experience enriched by top-level common spaces. On the ground floor, a spacious and bright entrance hall welcomes residents with exclusive amenities, including coworking spaces, a fitness area, a delivery room, and a pet room. Flows are expertly managed through double access, one principal and one private. Crowning the structure, the magnificent rooftop offers a panoramic terrace designed to enhance the views and enjoy the evocative sunsets over the Tiber. For those residing on the attic floor, internal stairs lead to private laundry rooms and spectacular “glass boxes” on the roof.
Spacious loggias, private gardens, and an exclusive panoramic rooftop: a new residential complex that revives the vibrant atmosphere and sense of connection of the ancient Roman river port.
Portus Urbe is much more than a simple real estate redevelopment: it is the birth of a new urban ecosystem. By combining the charm of Roman history with the highest standards of environmental sustainability, comfort, and architectural innovation, this intervention returns to the city of Rome a vibrant place, projected into the future yet proudly rooted in its own identity.
