Lake house

architectural intervention

Architectural and interior design project, executive project, and construction supervision

client

Private client

Floor area

80 smq

Photographs

Giulia Benedetta Costa

Collaborating companies

P&P Costruzioni, Tempini srl, Falegnameria Clerici, Florim Ceramiche, Marazzi Group, Negri Illuminazione

This project involved the complete renovation of a small apartment overlooking Lake Como, transforming it into a welcoming, functional space that is perfectly integrated with the surrounding landscape. A key element of the intervention was the conversion of an attic that was once accessible only through a trapdoor: today, a custom-designed staircase elegantly connects the two levels, cleverly concealing a refrigerator and pantry within, for a smart use of space.

Particular attention was given to the selection of materials and colors: in the bathroom, Marazzi tiles in a Moss Green shade were used, inspired by the natural tones of the lake, while the flooring was finished with practical and durable Florim tiles—an ideal choice also with a view to potential future rental. The lighting was carefully curated, featuring the Vibia Skan pendant lamp above the dining table, color-coordinated with the built-in wall unit for a harmonious and minimalist visual effect. The furnishings, as well as the staircase steps, were made of oak wood, adding warmth and character to the interiors.

The result is a modern, functional apartment in harmony with the Lake Como landscape, designed to offer comfort and style whether as a primary residence or a rental home.

Parentesi

The Parentesi lamp, designed in 1971 by Achille Castiglioni in collaboration with Pio Manzù for Flos, is an icon of Italian design, celebrated for its essential aesthetics and exceptional functionality. The project was born from the idea of a mobile light, capable of naturally adapting to spaces and everyday gestures.

The structure consists of a steel cable stretched between floor and ceiling, along which a curved tubular element—the “parenthesis,” so to speak—slides and supports the light source. This element can be easily adjusted in height using simple gravity, without complex mechanisms, allowing the light to be precisely directed where it’s needed. The technical aspect merges with a sculptural, minimalist form, where every detail serves a purpose and nothing is superfluous.

Parentesi represents a perfect balance between technical invention and design sensitivity, embodying the spirit of radical 1970s design. More than fifty years after its creation, it remains a timeless piece—admired in design museums around the world and still found in countless contemporary interiors.

Featured in Lake house

Skan

Skan is a pendant lamp designed by Lievore, Altherr, Molina for Vibia, distinguished by its minimalist design and slim silhouette that adds elegance to any space. Available in various sizes and finishes—including white, black, beige, terracotta red, blue, and green—Skan offers both aesthetic versatility and functionality.

Its aluminum and methacrylate structure houses an integrated LED light source, dimmable via an electronic system, which emits a warm, uniform glow—ideal for lighting dining rooms, living areas, or open-plan kitchens. The option to install it as a single fixture or in multiple configurations allows it to adapt to a wide range of architectural and stylistic contexts.

Featured in Lake house

2024

Lake house Ristrutturazione M² 80 The complete renovation transformed a small apartment on Lake Como by reclaiming an attic space that was once accessible only through a hatch, making it more welcoming. A staircase was designed that not only connects the floors but also elegantly conceals the refrigerator and pantry, optimizing the space in a practical and harmonious way.

Prime Alture Albergo M² 15 The refurbishment of the furnishings in a wine resort was inspired by the owners' passion for wine. Each room is inspired by a type of wine and is named after it, reflecting its unique characteristics. For example, the Malvasia room is dominated by the warm yellow tones of the wine, accompanied by details that evoke its elegance and depth, creating a cozy and immersive atmosphere.

Via San Vittore Ufficio M² 200 The complete renovation of two offices, combining two adjacent apartments, enhanced the spaces by restoring the original floors and removing old interventions that were not in line with the building's original style, bringing elegance and coherence back to the environment.

Via Piolti de Bianchi Residenziale M² 140 The partial renovation of an apartment for a young family focused primarily on the living area, combining rooms that were once clearly separated. The intervention created larger and brighter spaces, enhancing the functionality and welcoming atmosphere of the environment. Via Ripamonti Residenziale M² 100 The partial renovation of an apartment for a young couple involved a redistribution of spaces, with the creation of a new living area in a modern style, contrasting with the other areas that retain the charm of "Vecchia Milano." In the bathroom, cement tiles were used to align with the historic character of the building, while also preserving the authenticity of the original spaces.

2023

Ca' al Pazzo Residenziale M² 300 In a home nestled among the Tuscan hills, the project involved the renovation of the swimming pool and a series of landscaping interventions. A careful effort that restored harmony and beauty to the outdoor spaces, enhancing the connection between the rural architecture and the natural surroundings.

Urban farmhouse Ristrutturazione M² 90 The renovation of a historic farmhouse within Milan’s Parco Forlanini, subject to restrictions by the Superintendent of Fine Arts, was carried out with careful restoration and enhancement. Every detail was thoughtfully designed, using natural materials in harmony with contemporary elements. The original wooden ceilings were restored and highlighted, giving the spaces an authentic identity that harmoniously blends history and modernity.

Appartamento San Felice Residenziale M² 120 The partial renovation of an apartment in San Felice, Milan, for a young family addressed their needs by combining the kitchen and living room, creating an open and sociable space. A more defined entrance was created, and the bathrooms were renovated with spacious showers and modern design, resulting in a functional and contemporary environment. Da Bilocale a Trilocale Residenziale M² 70 The complete renovation transformed a one-bedroom apartment in Milan into a two-bedroom unit for a pair of young friends, featuring functional furnishings and space optimization that created a cozy and practical environment. Viale Romagna Residenziale M² 90 The design of the furnishings for a renovated home aimed to give it a new identity, transforming a somewhat dull space into a vibrant and welcoming environment. Through the use of colors, textures, and custom solutions, spaces were created that reflect personality and style, breathing new life into the rooms and creating a warm and dynamic atmosphere. Via Tacito Residenziale M² 90 The design of the furnishings and terrace for an entire newly built apartment maximized every space, creating continuity between the interior and exterior. The spaces were designed to flow harmoniously, with custom solutions that optimize the area and promote a natural transition between the living area and the terrace.

2022

Via Lario Residenziale M² 150 The complete renovation of an apartment for a family completely transformed the original layout, creating more functional and modern spaces. The elegant blue kitchen is separated from the dining room by a large bookshelf that acts as a partition but, when left open, perfectly connects the two areas. Storage spaces and built-in doors were created within the custom-made furnishings, optimizing every corner of the home with practical and elegant solutions designed to meet the family’s daily needs.

Via Amadeo Residenziale M² 90 The complete renovation of an old apartment, while keeping a limited budget, aimed to create more brightness through the use of light colors and targeted design solutions, optimizing the space without compromising on style. Piazza Occhialini Residenziale M² 80 The design of the furnishings and upholstery for a newly built apartment focuses on custom solutions, optimizing every corner to maximize space and create a functional and stylistically coherent environment. Via Andrea Verga Residenziale M² 100 The renovation of the two bathrooms transformed the spaces with eccentric details and bold design, creating striking and distinctive environments that combine elegance and originality.

2021

Uffici corso Magenta Ufficio M² 100 The office furniture design enhanced the existing space, creating an elegant and harmonious environment, with colored walls that highlight the atmosphere without overpowering the design.

Casa vacanza Porto Rotondo Residenziale M² 110 The renovation of an apartment in Porto Rotondo enhanced both the interior and exterior spaces, designed with a consistent style to create a seamless extension between the cozy interior and the outdoor area, perfect for enjoying the surrounding views.

2020

Casa in montagna Residenziale M² 80 The renovation of the bathrooms in an apartment in Champoluc introduced a modern design, while the creation of a new staircase elegantly connects the two floors, with warm colors that evoke the mountain atmosphere, creating a cozy and refined environment. Da portineria a Bilocale Residenziale M² 80 The renovation of an old concierge’s lodge into a one-bedroom apartment transformed a once cramped space into a functional home.