I’ve always felt a desire to pay tribute to the architects who have shaped my work and my perspective so profoundly. This project, made possible by a truly special client, Francesco Dagnino, offered me the perfect opportunity to do just that.
His direction was simple: ‘Go bold or go home.’ He gave me nearly complete creative freedom, encouraging me to design a project where each room embodies its own unique character, history and colour scheme.
This deep trust shaped the entire process. Rather than starting with a rigid brief, I found inspiration in our conversations about art, architecture, his family, his routines and aspirations. It was through these discussions that the vision for the project became clear.
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The art evolved organically, and was selected as the project unfolded, but with key pieces influencing the design. A standout example is the artwork by my mother, Ursula Huber, which adorns the vestibule. The entire room is defined by her site-specific piece, where the raw texture of the concrete creates a wonderful contrast yet harmonious symbiosis with the Roman travertine.
This interplay of materials not only highlights their distinct qualities, but also underlines the intrinsic connection between her work and the architecture, making them inseparable in their dialogue.
Milan has been my home for more than 20 years. I studied at the Politecnico di Milano, where I was immersed in the legacy of Gio Ponti and Vittoriano Viganò. We didn’t just study their work; we lived and learnt in the very buildings these visionaries designed in the 1960s and 70s.
Milan itself, with its rich architectural history, becomes part of your DNA when you live here. From the elegant art deco lines of Villa Necchi to the towering presence of Torre Velasca – the iconic skyscraper that watches over the heart of the city – these masterpieces leave an indelible mark. Through my design, I was able to weave in subtle nods to these masters, honouring their influence while crafting something new and personal.
There is so much I hold dear. From the ziggurat details inspired by Luigi Caccia Dominioni’s work [see the lighting in the bedroom], to the Seminato flooring with its intricate mosaic inlays, which took over a month to complete, each element carries a story.
What made the process truly special was my client’s patience and dedication. Not only did he eagerly wait for this apartment’s completion, he also took an active role in its creation, working alongside the artisans with his children. It was a beautiful moment – the process of building became a shared experience, blending family memories into the foundation of a space. hannespeer.com
