Architect Matteo Thun Revitalizes Milan’s Torre Velasca with Heritage-Driven Interiors
Matteo Thun has unveiled the interior redesign of Milan’s historic Torre Velasca, a mid-century skyscraper originally constructed by BBPR. As Dezeen reports, the project focuses on reinterpreting the 1950s landmark through a palette inspired by its facade, introducing seventy-two residential units that range from standard suites to duplex penthouses while preserving the building’s original architectural character.
Context from Industry Pulse
The renovation of Torre Velasca by Matteo Thun reflects a broader industry movement toward the adaptive reuse of mid-century modern landmarks. This project coincides with several other high-profile concrete-focused developments reported by Dezeen and Designboom, including sculptural art centers in Rizhao and coastal residences in Mexico. While contemporary projects like ZAO’s art center use concrete for new sculptural forms, Thun’s work demonstrates how existing brutalist or modernist structures can be softened for residential use. By pairing original 1950s tiles and frames with high-end textiles from Dedar, the project illustrates a trend of elevating raw architectural heritage through luxury craftsmanship, ensuring that rigid historic skyscrapers meet modern hospitality and residential standards.
The renovation project led by Italian architect Matteo Thun emphasizes a respectful dialogue with the existing structure rather than seeking stylistic contrast. According to Dezeen, the design team focused on the upper floors of the iconic tower, where they integrated modern furniture with classic pieces from the mid-to-late twentieth century. This aesthetic choice aims to bridge the gap between the building’s 1950s origins and contemporary living requirements without erasing its historical identity.
Materiality played a central role in the transformation of the skyscraper. Dezeen reports that the studio retained several original architectural elements, such as the initial doors, window frames, and loggias. Even the functional spaces like kitchens and bathrooms kept their original tiling. These vintage components are now paired with new custom furniture designed by Thun’s studio in collaboration with established Milanese manufacturers, creating a curated mix of eras.
The color scheme for the residences was derived directly from the tower’s exterior and internal heritage. In the living areas, custom velvet wall coverings mirror the specific pink plaster of the facade. For the more private zones, including bedrooms and entryways, the team utilized darker variations of the blue and green hues found in the original floor tiles. This approach ensures that the new interior atmosphere remains tethered to the building’s unique visual DNA.
Beyond the residential units, the intervention extended to the public ground-floor spaces, including the lobby, reception, and primary corridors. Thun described the process to Dezeen as an architectural discovery that required sticking closely to the vision set by the original architects. By treating the building itself as the primary guide, the studio aimed to make the structure’s distinct character feel relevant for future inhabitants while honoring its status as a Milanese landmark.
The Industry Pulse Bottom Line
Matteo Thun’s work on Torre Velasca highlights a shift toward heritage-first interior design, where the building’s original materials dictate the color palette and furniture selection to ensure historical continuity in luxury urban redevelopments.