Apartment Restoration in a Medieval Tower: A Fusion of History and Modern Design

Nestled in the historic heart of Siena, Italy, the Apartment in a Medieval Tower, restored and designed by CMTarchitetti, masterfully blends the charm of medieval architecture with contemporary interior design. Situated within the historic Palazzo Rinuccini, the 140 m² apartment occupies the second floor of a building that dates back to the 11th–13th centuries. The project breathes new life into the ancient walls of this medieval tower-house, creating a modern living space steeped in history.

The Architecture of the Medieval Tower

The apartment is a part of the original medieval tower-house core, combined with a residential structure added in the 13th century. A meticulous restoration process uncovered the tower’s original walls, which had been hidden under layers of plaster for centuries. These walls, composed of cavernous limestone and "filaretto" brick masonry, reveal an alternating two-tone effect, showcasing a combination of structural ingenuity and aesthetic detail.

The tower’s monophore windows, once bricked up and concealed, have been reopened to allow natural light to flood the space. These narrow, arched openings provide a glimpse into the architectural techniques of the medieval period.

The Living Room: A Dialogue Between Old and New

The living room, carved entirely within the medieval tower’s rectangular volume, serves as the heart of the apartment. The ancient masonry is left exposed, emphasizing the historic character of the space. To complement the rugged textures of the walls, the flooring is crafted from satin-finish resin in a soft, light beige hue, creating a neutral base that does not compete with the medieval aesthetics.

Above, the ceiling retains its original wooden elm beams and terracotta tiles, which were treated with lime to achieve a softened, desaturated look. A hidden, flush-mounted door leads to a guest bathroom ingeniously built into the tower’s thick walls. Here, a bricked-up monophore window has been transformed into an illuminated mirror, while a freestanding orange glass sink and cork base provide a modern contrast to the medieval stone.

The Kitchen: Where Tradition Meets Modernity

Located in a 12th-century extension of the tower-house, the kitchen showcases the building’s layered history. The original stone masonry, once part of the tower’s external facade, is now a defining feature of the interior. A central kitchen island measuring 360 x 120 cm anchors the space, featuring a beige ceramic countertop and dark Tuscan elm wood side panels.

The resin floor mirrors the minimalist aesthetic of the living room, while the ceiling retains its medieval character with elm beams and terracotta tiles treated with lime. This seamless blend of old and new demonstrates how careful design can honor historical architecture while meeting modern needs.

The Bedrooms: Embracing History in Personal Spaces

The sleeping quarters consist of two bedrooms, each reflecting the medieval origins of the building while maintaining a modern, tranquil ambiance. The master bedroom features natural oak plank parquet flooring and walls finished in lime-colored paste, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The ceiling, like the rest of the apartment, boasts ancient elm beams and terracotta tiles treated with lime.

In the single bedroom, a striking stone wall—originally one of the medieval tower’s external walls—adds a historic focal point beside the bed. This thoughtful integration of historical elements ensures that each space feels connected to the building’s rich past.

A Testament to Architectural Restoration

The Apartment in a Medieval Tower by CMTarchitetti stands as a testament to the transformative power of architectural restoration. By uncovering and celebrating the building’s medieval heritage, the project creates a harmonious fusion of history and modernity. Every detail, from the exposed masonry to the carefully selected contemporary materials, highlights the architects’ dedication to preserving the past while crafting a functional, modern home.

This restoration is a remarkable example of how ancient architecture can be reimagined for contemporary living. By seamlessly blending historical features with modern design, CMTarchitetti has created a timeless space that celebrates both the past and the present.

All Photographs are work of Vito Corvasce