Project: Medieval Tower Apartment
Architecture: CMTarchitetti
Lead Architects: Paolo Mori, Simone Carloni
Location: Siena, Italy
Area: 140 m2
Year: 2023
Photo Credits: Vito Corvasce
Designed by CMTarchitetti, the Medieval Tower Apartment is a restored living space within Palazzo Rinuccini, located in the historic center of Siena. The building retains its medieval origins, dating back to the 11th and 13th centuries, with later expansions in the early 13th century. Moreover, the apartment, situated on the second floor, features a living/dining area, a spacious kitchen with a central island, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a storage room.
Preserving Medieval Heritage
The living room occupies the rectangular medieval tower, where its historic walls, once plastered and concealed, now stand fully restored. The meticulous restoration process brought back the original monophore windows, which had served as the tower’s only external openings. Additionally, the walls showcase an intricate interplay of cavernous limestone and “filaretto” masonry, alternating with brick. This two-tone arrangement not only reflects a construction technique but also serves as an intentional aesthetic feature.
To highlight the raw beauty of the stonework, the design keeps other elements minimal. Consequently, the flooring features satin-finish resin in a soft light beige tone by Hd Surface, while the ceiling, with elm wood beams and terracotta tiles, underwent a lime treatment to desaturate its colors. A concealed door in the living room leads to a guest bathroom, seamlessly blending into the tower’s thick masonry. Furthermore, the space features an illuminated mirror set into an old bricked-up monophore window and a striking free-standing orange glass sink with a cork base, both by Antonio Lupi.
A Seamless Transition of Spaces
The kitchen occupies an extension added in the 12th century, adjacent to the medieval tower house. The interior showcases stone masonry, originally part of the tower’s external façade. At its center, a large island measuring 360×120 cm features a beige ceramic countertop with dark Tuscan elm wood side panels. Like the living area, the kitchen floor consists of resin, and its medieval ceiling, with ancient elm beams and terracotta tiles, received a natural lime treatment to enhance its character.
Elegant and Timeless Sleeping Quarters
The sleeping area includes two bedrooms—a master and a single—alongside a centrally located bathroom. The master bedroom features natural oak plank flooring, lime-colored walls, and a ceiling with exposed wooden beams and terracotta tiles, all treated with lime for a refined aesthetic. Similarly, the single bedroom mirrors these finishes but incorporates a preserved stone wall beside the bed, once part of the medieval tower’s original exterior.
A Testament to Thoughtful Restoration
The Medieval Tower Apartment by CMTarchitetti seamlessly blends historical authenticity with modern sophistication. Ultimately, this carefully restored space maintains its medieval essence while integrating contemporary comforts, making it a truly unique and timeless residence in the heart of Siena.
