Nestled among the hills surrounding Lake Como, this private villa was conceived as an intimate retreat for a couple with three children, reinterpreting with elegance the relationship between architecture and nature. The project, designed by architects Arturo Montanelli and Mauro Todesco, embodies a sensitivity that emphasizes discreetness, quality materials, and a continuous dialogue between interior and exterior.
The new residence respectfully integrates into the site’s morphology, following a settlement logic that accommodates the terrain’s elevation changes. A compact volume, developed over three levels—one of which is partially underground—houses the living spaces in a configuration that favors intimacy toward the street and transparency toward the lake. The facades alternate between opaque surfaces and visual screens on the west side, and large glazed openings on the east, allowing light and landscape to flow inside in a seamless visual exchange.
Montanelli‘s design approach is rooted in a deep understanding of the genius loci, resulting in a sober architecture intended to integrate effortlessly into the landscape. Todesco adopts this philosophy and translates it into the interiors, creating refined, essential, and functional spaces. The material palette favors natural, warm finishes capable of producing welcoming, timeless environments: wood, stone, matte surfaces combined with bespoke furniture and sartorial details that do not dominate but rather guide the gaze outward.
The internal spatial organization is tailored for family life, with particular attention to the perceptual quality of the environments: spacious living areas overlooking the landscape, private bedrooms, and well-calibrated service spaces. Every element is measured with precision, reflecting a continuous quest for balance between aesthetics and functionality.
Arturo Montanelli, an engineer and architect, directs the AR.DE.A. Srl studio in Lecco and has been involved for decades in architecture and restoration projects within constrained contexts. Mauro Todesco, an architect educated at IUAV in Venice, established his own practice in 2023 after international experiences and a strong focus on interior and product design.
For more information:
www.arturomontanelli.com
www.maurotodesco.it
CREDITS
Project: Lake Como Villa
Architects: Arturo Montanelli, Mauro Todesco
Location: Lake Como, Italy
Year: 2024
Photography: Edoardo Terrosi, Mauro Todesco
