Located on the 23rd and 24th floors of Torre Romana, the MISA 9.5 penthouse apartment has been thoughtfully renovated by architect Federico Guarini of Sciveres Guarini Associates. Torre Romana, initially designed by architect Paolo Chiolini and completed in 1963, embodies the modernist ethos that defined Milan’s mid-century high-rise developments. The building’s rectangular plan, oriented along the north-south axis, allows each side to capture unique sunlight exposure, offering panoramic city views from every angle.
MISA 9.5 Penthouse Technical Information
- Renovation Architects1-16: Sciveres Guarini Associates
- Torre Romana Architect: Paolo Chiolini
- Location: Milan, Italy
- Topics: Apartment Renovations
- Original Building Construction: 1962–1963
- Renovation Project: 2024
- Photographs: © Filippo Poli
The entire apartment was characterized by the presence of beautifully designed original fixed walnut furniture, typical of the 1950s and 1960s. It was necessary to recover, reuse in a contemporary key and transform a large part of this furniture within the new project.
– Sciveres Guarini Associates Architects
MISA 9.5 Penthouse Photographs
MISA 9.5 Penthouse Spatial Reconfiguration
Before the recent intervention, MISA 9.5 exemplified the typical layout of a Milanese upper-middle-class residence, compartmentalized into distinct functional zones in line with modernist principles. Spaces included an entrance hall, living room, dining room, kitchen, service areas, and a rooftop terrace. Original built-in walnut furnishings from the 1950s and 60s were integral to the apartment’s aesthetic, with boiseries, bookshelves, and cabinets that showcased the fine craftsmanship and design sensibilities of that era. However, the layout no longer aligned with contemporary living needs, and many of the systems and finishes had become outdated.
The renovation of MISA 9.5 was not merely a facelift but a thoughtful intervention to adapt the space to modern lifestyle demands while respecting its architectural roots. Recognizing the value of the original walnut furnishings, the designers dismantled and cataloged these elements, which were then thoughtfully integrated into the reimagined space. This approach retained a sense of continuity with the apartment’s mid-century heritage, preserving and recontextualizing the past within a contemporary framework.
Structural changes involved the removal of interior partitions and the existing masonry staircase, leaving only the primary load-bearing structure—a series of reinforced concrete walls and a transverse septum. This structural septum divides the apartment into two primary zones: the day area and the night area. In the day area, a long wooden podium supports a suspended metal staircase that leads to the 24th-floor terrace. The functional block, a large piece of “hyper-furniture” comprised of bookcases and cupboards, also incorporates concealed spaces for the laundry, study, and guest bathroom. In the night area, a continuous surface of fixed and movable doors, clad in walnut, creates an element of surprise, concealing en suite bathrooms and a guest bedroom, blurring the lines between furniture and architecture.
Materiality and Furnishings – Blending Old with New
One of the most distinctive aspects of the MISA 9.5 renovation is its respect for the original 1950s walnut furnishings. These elements, with their rich patina and fine craftsmanship, serve as a bridge between past and present, allowing the apartment’s mid-century charm to shine through while aligning with modern sensibilities. The decision to restore and incorporate these pieces demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and historical integrity.
New materials, including white lacquered panels and steel, were selected to complement the walnut furnishings, creating a cohesive aesthetic that balances old and new. The bathrooms are outfitted with Carrara marble slabs, colored cementitious mortar, and walnut ceiling panels, showcasing a palette that respects the original apartment’s character. This careful choice of materials demonstrates how traditional elements can coexist harmoniously with contemporary updates, creating a timeless, unified space.
Terrace Integration and Environmental Interaction
A key element of the MISA 9.5 redesign is the enhanced connection between the interior living spaces and the rooftop terrace on the 24th floor. Previously regarded as an accessory space, the terrace has been re-envisioned as an extension of the apartment’s living area. An iron and glass pergola was installed to provide shelter, while the addition of an outdoor kitchen, solarium, and changing room establishes the terrace as a functional, multi-use space.
The redesign also places a strong emphasis on light and airflow. By aligning new internal openings with the apartment’s existing windows, the designers achieved a double exposure from east to west, allowing for an uninterrupted flow of natural light and ventilation. This thoughtful lighting strategy enhances the apartment’s spatial quality, creating a dynamic interplay between indoor and outdoor spaces.
MISA 9.5 Penthouse Plans
MISA 9.5 Penthouse Image Gallery
About Sciveres Guarini Associates
Sciveres Guarini Associates is an Italian architectural firm specializing in diverse design fields, including residential redevelopment, historic building restoration, winery design, and interior design. Operating primarily in Lombardy, Sicily, and Puglia, the firm emphasizes a harmonious balance between new interventions and existing architectural heritage.
Notes & Additional Credits
- Lead Designers: Federico Guarini, Nunzio Gabriele Sciveres, Parul Bhardwaj, Manuel Mangiatori, Athul Narayanan, Ludovica Starnoni
- Structural Engineering: Ing. Roberto Pizzo
- Main Contractor:Bluedile s.r.l.
- Electrical System: Linewire
- Client: Private
- Carpets and Mats: Galleria Altai
- Beds and Chairs: Design Republic
- Lighting and Furnishings: TRJ
- Marble Works: Laboratorio Morseletto
- Wooden Fixtures: QR Legno
- Glass Works: Vetraria Dall’Orto
- Iron Works: Confer
- Curtain Work: Bosio
- Cementitious Mortar: Sansone Pavimenti
- Wood Furniture Restoration: Stillitano il Falegname
- Woodwork: Verri Arredamenti, DBArredamenti, Macetti
