In the heart of the evocative hamlet of Careno, in the municipality of Nesso, overlooking the waters of Lake Como, the Via del Pontile renovation project by RM Architetture takes shape. The intervention unfolds within a building of historical origin – once an agricultural structure – now transformed into a contemporary residence that brings historical memory, living comfort, and the natural landscape into dialogue.
The project stems from a respectful approach to the context: the studio preserved the original structure – characterized by stone masonry and timber roofs – and integrated elements with a contemporary language capable of enhancing spatial quality without distorting the building’s historical identity. In this dialogue between past and present, the project highlights the spontaneous nature of the historic center, preserving the material texture of local stone and reinterpreting it with modern sensitivity.
The reorganization of the interior spaces is one of the cornerstones of the intervention. Previously divided into two non-communicating levels, the rooms were rethought through the insertion of an internal staircase that reconnects and harmonizes the functional layout. The living area now unfolds on the upper floor, enhanced by a generous open space with exposed wooden ceilings, while the sleeping area is located on the ground floor, ensuring a clear and comfortable spatial hierarchy.
The relationship with the surrounding landscape and the lake view was pursued through the opening of new windows and French doors, designed to capture natural light and create visual continuity between interior and exterior. Each room opens onto the garden or the evocative surrounding hills, establishing a tactile relationship with the lakeside context.
The stone façades, the subject of careful restoration, were cleaned and reinterpreted through a new compositional design that enhances their aesthetic balance and dialogue with adjacent architectures. Superfluous elements and later additions were removed, while frames in local stone were reinstated to harmonize the elevation with the scale of the village.
For more information, visit www.rmarchitetture.com
CREDITS
Project: Via del Pontile
Studio: RM Architetture
Location: Careno, Nesso (Lake Como), Italy
Year: 2024
