Matteo Thun & Partners unveils 72 luxury residences inside Milan's Torre Velasca

The Italian design studio is bringing contemporary living to one of Milan's most recognisable architectural landmarks, combining historic interiors with bespoke furniture and panoramic city views.

One of Milan's most distinctive buildings is entering a new chapter as Matteo Thun & Partners unveils 72 residences within the upper floors of Torre Velasca, the city's celebrated architectural landmark.

The project introduces a collection of suites, two bedroom apartments and duplex penthouses designed for both short and long stays, with the first residences scheduled to open in phases from autumn 2026.

Overlooking the Milan skyline, the apartments bring contemporary interiors to a building whose unconventional silhouette has made it one of the city's most recognisable architectural structures.

Rather than attempting to reinvent the building, Matteo Thun & Partners has approached the project with an emphasis on preserving its architectural character while adapting its interiors for modern living.

Preserving an architectural landmark

Torre Velasca occupies a distinctive place in Milan's architectural history. Designed by the architectural collective BBPR, the building is recognised for its imposing form and its relationship with the city's postwar architectural development.

Its protected status has required a careful approach to the new residential interiors.

Original tiles in bathrooms and kitchens have been retained, alongside existing doors, window frames and loggias. New materials and furnishings have been selected to complement the building's established colours and finishes.

Working within the constraints of relatively low ceilings and compact rooms, the design studio has introduced reflective surfaces to increase the sense of light and space.

Layouts have also been adjusted to accommodate larger showers and generous walk in wardrobes, bringing additional comfort without compromising the building's historic features.

One of the more significant alterations involved partially removing a kitchen wall to introduce a cocktail counter inspired by Milanese interiors.

Developed in consultation with Italy's Ministry of Culture, the change creates a connection between the kitchen and living area, allowing more natural light into the space while providing an informal setting for entertaining.

Italian design from the 1950s to the 1980s

The furnishings draw heavily on Milan's design heritage, referencing several decades of Italian furniture and decorative arts.

Living rooms feature bespoke mustard yellow sofas produced by Molteni, alongside coffee tables developed with exclusive combinations of materials.

The interiors also incorporate furniture associated with celebrated designers including Gio Ponti, Afra and Tobia Scarpa.

Among the notable pieces is Cassina's Utrecht chair, upholstered in blue felt with contrasting green stitching.

These recognisable designs sit alongside furniture created specifically for the residences, establishing a connection between the city's design history and the contemporary character of the apartments.

A colour palette inspired by Torre Velasca

Colour and texture play a central role in the interiors.

Matteo Thun & Partners collaborated with Italian textile house Dedar to develop fabrics, wallpapers and bespoke velvet wall coverings.

In the living rooms, the velvet takes inspiration from the pink plaster of Torre Velasca's exterior, bringing a subtle reference to the building's façade into the apartments.

Lighting has received similar attention.

Designs by Italian lighting manufacturer Oluce have been produced in colours selected specifically for the building, while bespoke wall lamps have been introduced around bathroom vanities.

Wardrobes, headboards and bedside tables have also been designed by Matteo Thun & Partners and manufactured by Italian producers.

The result is an interior scheme that combines established Italian design with furniture and finishes created exclusively for the project.

A new chapter for Torre Velasca

Beyond the apartments, Matteo Thun & Partners has also been commissioned to design the reception, lobby and corridors at the rear of the ground floor.

These shared spaces will extend the residential design approach into the building's communal areas, creating a more consistent experience for residents and visitors.

The project reflects a wider architectural challenge facing historic buildings: how to accommodate contemporary expectations without erasing the qualities that made them significant in the first place.

For Torre Velasca, that means respecting the original architectural vision while introducing interiors suited to modern residential life.

With 72 residences opening progressively from autumn 2026, the development offers a new way to experience one of Milan's most unusual landmarks, bringing the city's design heritage into everyday living.