Massena 4 | Matteo Fantoni

In the heart of Milan, just a few steps from Arco della Pace, with façades overlooking both Sempione park and Corso Sempione, Matteo Fantoni Studio is working on a historic 1920s building to bring two properties together, one of which belonged to the historic Italian journalist and politician Arnaldo Mussolini (1885-1934), brother of the renowned Benito. Originally, both properties underwent considerable internal transformation. The client, the current owner of the first property of 300 m2, requires this property to be connected to the adjacent one of 200 m2, thus obtaining a total living area of 500 m2. Inspired by the principle of integrating the old with the new, MFS’s project design aims to respect the early century architectural characteristics of the right wing of the house (300 m2) while crossing to a more modern style, consisting of essential lines, in the left wing. Moving through the house becomes a journey through the slow passage of time, emulating different architectural styles: inlaid marble, stucco and wood blend harmoniously with modern elements from high tech materials such as corian, lacquered wood and sandblasted glass. On a functional level the 300 m2 part maintains the private functions such as the sleeping area, family room, kitchen and private dining room, while in the new part a large flexible space houses a party room, a living area for film screening, and a games and conversations area. A bar architecturally blends with the polygonal shape of the perimeter walls. Service and accessories rooms, connected to the other wing of the house by an external service passage, perform a supporting function to the whole house as well as the adjacent private gyms and spa, which hosts a Turkish bath characterised by fluid forms. Basic functions and additional rooms make this property, characterised by luxurious finishings, an example of rationality and flexibility of space where modern design combines perfectly with precious antiquity.