Lake Como Villa

Set on the steep, terraced slopes of Lake Como, this project draws together vernacular references and contemporary design. The villa is conceived as a building that disappears into the hillside, its stone walls and terraced forms becoming part of the landscape while opening out to panoramic lake views.

  • Type Living
  • Location Lake Como, Moltrasio
  • Status Planning
  • Size 400sqm
  • Year 2025
Lake Como Villa
Como Living.
Architecture integrated into the hillside landscape.
Lake Como Villa
Lake Como Villa
Context and References.

The design begins with a careful reading of the local fabric: the painted renders, shuttered windows, and carved stone details of Lombard villas and houses.

Windows: vertical proportions, shutters and deep reveals inform the new openings.

Roofs: pitched and tiled references are reinterpreted in flatter landscaped terraces.

Walls: textured plaster and natural stone are reimagined in retaining walls and garden structures.
Lake Como Villa
Lake Como Villa
Lake Como Villa
Site.

Two site studies locate the villa within the dramatic terraced topography of the hillside above the lake. From a distance, the proposal appears as a continuation of the layered retaining walls that define the settlement pattern.
Lake Como Villa

Design Principles

1. Views
The orientation of the villa is guided by the lake. Openings are aligned to capture uninterrupted panoramic views, ensuring every principal space connects directly to the landscape.

2. Excavation
The building follows the natural slope of the site. Excavation is minimised to reduce costs and avoid unnecessary structural interventions, embedding the house gently within the hillside.

3. Boundary
The design respects the limits of the plot. The building footprint is carefully set within the site boundary, balancing the geometry of the new structure with the irregularity of the terrain.

Lake Como Villa

Plans & Sections

The series of plans at different levels describe how the house is organised across the slope:

  • Ground level: entrance and service areas cut into the hill.

  • First floor (160 m²): main accommodation floor, with three guest bedrooms and a master suite. Each space opens out to a continuous terrace and framed lake views.

  • Upper levels: open-plan living areas unfold towards the landscape, combining kitchen, dining, and lounge in a panoramic setting.

Sections through the house illustrate its relationship with the hillside, stepping down across levels and embedding the structure into the rock face.

Lake Como Villa
Level 0
Lake Como Villa
Level 1
Lake Como Villa
Level 2
Lake Como Villa
Section A
Lake Como Villa
Section B
Lake Como Villa
Section C
Lake Como Villa

Landscape Integration

The terraces are landscaped with grass and planting, blurring the boundary between garden and architecture. Views open dramatically towards the lake, while the building remains modest in profile when seen from the village above.

Lake Como Villa

Exterior

The villa is expressed as a series of terraced stone walls, echoing the agricultural patterns of the region. Glass and slender frames form the upper living level, floating lightly above the solidity of the base.

Lake Como Villa
Living Space.

Inside, the design emphasises openness and continuity. Floor-to-ceiling glazing creates a seamless connection between dining, living, and outdoor terraces. A restrained palette of natural stone, timber, and light finishes enhances the changing qualities of daylight across the lake.
Lake Como Villa
Bedrooms.

Our bedrooms are designed as serene retreats, continuing the minimalist language of the house. The corner master suite is set against a dramatic exposed rockface wall, giving a raw, natural backdrop to the calm interior. Crittal-style French doors open directly onto the surrounding terraces, framing uninterrupted views over Lake Como and bringing in soft natural light throughout the day.

Walls, ceilings, and floors are finished in Kerakoll plaster, creating a seamless, tactile surface in warm neutral tones. A restrained palette of natural textures is layered with sheer curtains, allowing light to diffuse gently while maintaining a sense of privacy. The result is a space of understated luxury—quiet, contemplative, and deeply connected to its setting.

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