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Just a stone’s throw from Torre Velasca and the Columns of San Lorenzo in Milan is Casa Brivio, a hospitality property that caters for short stay guests in a building dating from the 1960s–70s. Owners Filippo and Alberico Brivio Sforza recently had the property renovated. The project, entrusted to architectural firm Matteo Thun & Partners, has returned the spirit of mid-20th century Milanese modernism to the interiors, transforming Casa Brivio into a hospitality icon in the heart of Milan.
Dating from the 15th century, Palazzo Brivio encapsulates centuries of architectural styles, from Renaissance to neoclassical. During World War II, an incendiary bomb devastated the south wing of the building, which was rebuilt in the early ’70s by Cetti Serbelloni in the rationalist style of Caccia Dominioni. This building, which today houses Casa Brivio, remains faithful to the latest stage of its history thanks to the project by Matteo Thun, a student of Ettore Sottass.
Casa Brivio comprises two separate buildings connected by an internal courtyard. Upon arrival, guests step into the reception lobby, a space that evokes the style of the traditional entrances of Milanese homes.
A tribute to Gio Ponti’s style, a blue and yellow diamond pattern decorates the ceiling. Extensive timber and marble wall paneling behind the reception counter also pays homage to the architect. Enhancing the space are iconic design pieces, such as a 1977 Atollo table lamp designed by Vico Magistretti, a Lady armchair by Marco Zanuso, and a Cicognino table by Franco Albini. The floor is cream-colored Venetian terrazzo with splashes of ocher and brown recalling the shades of timber. Tropical plants of different shapes and sizes complete the space.
The accommodation, reached via the original spiral staircase with its ocher hydraulic lime plaster and Murano lamps, occupies two upstairs levels. There are 16 rooms and apartments in all, ranging from the 20m2 Cozy Room to the 45m2 Grand Suite.
Each one has a different layout and furnishings intended to help guests feel at home. Again, the customized interiors reflect mid-20th century Milanese modernism, enriched with details such as Melanzana door handles by Caccia Dominioni and textured glass bathroom doors.
The color palette includes shades of terracotta, ivory, and emerald green, which complement the herringbone timber flooring and the blue-grey walls, which create a neutral backdrop for the colorful paintings. The feature of the apartments is the closet, a strong architectural element that separates the bedroom from the living area. A soft ivory-colored fabric with a touch of pink finishes the doors, while, inside, is a guest kitchenette.
The design of the bathrooms draws its inspiration from the style of Piero Portaluppi, with the gray terrazzo flooring, which extends into the shower, giving the room an elegant and essential touch. The lighting consists of retro spotlights strategically positioned to highlight the brass details and fabrics of the furniture.
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Location: Milano, Italy
Interior Design: Matteo Thun & Partners
Project Management: Benedetto Fasciana
Client: Filippo e Alberico Brivio Sforza
Main Contractor: Gruppo LMB
Photography by Marco Bertolini, courtesy of Matteo Thun
