Como Lakehouse

The building, whose original form and characteristic vaulted entrance —allowing access by water— have been preserved, now incorporates a contemporary space where the unique features of the location and the structure are
reinterpreted.

The waters of Lake Como embrace the house, flooding it with their waves and crossing it with their shifting reflections. Built in stone at the beginning of the 20th century above an old dock, the house was originally the home of a boatman. The main access was from the lake, where a small boat could be moored and stored inside the structure, passing through a vaulted opening that still characterizes the building, located at the edge of a
steep and wild slope. The three-story building is flanked by a terraced area that also overlooks the lake. A small garden, dominated by a large magnolia tree, is situated on this terrace. A small wing, added in recent decades, extends from the garden.

A foreign client, drawn to the building’s authenticity and the evocative atmosphere of the lake, requested the
restoration of the property. He specifically requested an intervention that would preserve the exterior envelope, the patina of the lime plaster, and the intimacy of the small garden.

Gregorio Pecorelli has interpreted these needs with a renovation project that, while respecting the original characteristics of the building and its extraordinary location, has given life to a contemporary intervention. Forms, materials, and finishes blend to create a suspended create an elegant contrast with the burnt wood ceiling that reflects the light. The large living room, with full-height walls, opens onto the lake, creating an intimate and relaxing atmosphere. Vintage furnishings and a large custom-made rug complete the ambiance.

A dark timber structure occupies a central position in the hall. It encompasses the kitchen, technical spaces, and, on an upper level, a small guest suite. Custommade elements incorporate a spiral staircase within the furnishings, creating a refined geometric play. A second spiral staircase, adjacent to the first, descends to the lower level, where a large diagonal space carved into the rock reveals the structure of the old dock. Here, where water and its afternoon sun reflections penetrate the building, there is a study and a spa clad in stone and wood, with a Jacuzzi overlooking the lake directly.

The master bedroom, located in the secondary wing and connected to the entrance by a corridor, overlooks
the garden. A custom-made wall unit integrates the bed and a small retractable desk. The bathroom, also clad in stone and wood, features a freestanding bathtub and a custom-made Dolomia stone sink.

The home is furnished with a mix of midcentury modern furniture, sourced from auctions, to complement the client’s art collection. Highlights include Model 814 Lounge Chairs by Ico and Luisa Parisi, Lina Bo Bardi’s scissor chairs in Jatobá wood, and unique pieces like the desk by George Nakashima.

The complex morphology of the site presented both logistical and design challenges. Collaborating with skilled
engineer every detail with BIM precision, minimizing waste and ensuring rigorous control over the entire construction process.

Gregorio Pecorelli Studio takes a rigorous, analytical approach to architecture, working on projects ranging from homes to public buildings. The studio strives for simplicity and coherence, seeking the essence of each space. It is currently engaged in private and public residential projects in Italy and the Netherlands.