Matteo Thun Transforms 72 Apartments Inside Milan’s Iconic Torre Velasca
Renovated interiors blend historic brutalist architecture with contemporary Italian design for luxury residential living.
1Historic Tower Transformation
Matteo Thun Partners is redesigning 72 residences within Milan’s iconic Torre Velasca, a brutalist landmark completed in 1958 by BBPR. The project spans floors 19 through 26, introducing a mix of suites and duplex penthouses. These units, designed for both short and long-term stays, are scheduled to open in phases starting in fall 2026.
2Preserving Architectural Integrity
The renovation follows an extensive structural restoration led by Asti Architetti for developer Hines, finalized in 2025. Designers worked closely with Italy’s Ministry of Culture to preserve original elements, including historic doors, window frames, and bathroom tiles. The project maintains the building’s unique loggias, which offer expansive views across the historic city center.
3Overcoming Spatial Constraints
The tower’s original design features relatively low ceilings and compact room dimensions, presenting significant layout challenges. To enhance the sense of space, the studio utilized glossy finishes that reflect natural daylight. Architects also partially removed a kitchen wall to install a cocktail counter, creating a more open, fluid connection between cooking and living areas.
4Curated Material Palette
The interior color scheme draws inspiration directly from the building’s exterior plaster. Working with textile house Dedar, the team developed custom dusty pink velvet wall coverings. This soft tone is paired with mustard-yellow sofas, custom-designed for Molteni, and stone-topped coffee tables, creating a warm, cohesive aesthetic that honors the tower’s distinct architectural character.
5Italian Design Heritage
The apartments feature an eclectic collection of furniture celebrating decades of Italian craftsmanship. Pieces by Gio Ponti are displayed alongside works by Afra and Tobia Scarpa. Notable items include Cassina’s Utrecht armchair in blue felt with green stitching, while custom lighting by Oluce was specifically produced to complement the unique color palette of the residential units.
6Mixed-Use Development Strategy
The residential project is part of a broader redevelopment strategy aimed at maintaining the tower’s mixed-use nature. While the lower floors continue to function as office spaces, the upper levels are being converted into hospitality-focused residences. Operated as METT Milan Torre Velasca, the project integrates modern living requirements into a protected, historically significant architectural structure.
7Contrast in Scale
The project highlights the striking contrast between the monumental, mushroom-like exterior of the tower and the modest, domestic scale of its interiors. By retaining deep window openings and original proportions, the design ensures that residents remain connected to the building’s brutalist roots. This approach allows for an intimate experience of a major Milanese landmark.
8Future Residential Impact
By blending heritage preservation with high-end hospitality, the Torre Velasca project establishes a new model for adaptive reuse in urban centers. The phased opening in 2026 will test the market’s appetite for living within protected brutalist icons. This development successfully bridges the gap between mid-century architectural history and the evolving demands of contemporary luxury travelers.