The distinctive architectural feature of Villa Aghe near Como in Italy is the spectacular interlacing of sleek, sharp spaces. The decidedly contemporary design by Architect Annalisa Mauri pays due respect to its setting, a small town on the shores of Lake Alserio, among the softly rolling hills of Brianza.
True to the homeowner’s origins, the name “Villa Aghe” comes from the Friulano word for water. The element plays a key role, as evidenced by two swimming pools, one outdoors and the other inside the home, where two Atlante daybeds from Flexform form a cozy relaxation area.
The abundant natural light is truly the most lavish element in this design. The light that fills the home at all hours of the day and nourishes the lush growth of a vast collection of indoor plants – most of them rare species of succulents. The interior design choices also echo the interplay between indoors and out, creating a series of rooms designed to allow the entire family to fully enjoy each of the spaces all year round. The main part of the building hosts the soaring living room with a dramatic fireplace that visually connects the ground floor and the upstairs.
A stand-alone Gregory sofa near the fireplace is upholstered in an elegant shade of green. A different shade of green was selected to upholster a large corner arrangement of the Gregory sofa that holds court in the large upstairs living room, where it is paired with a Joyce armchair, Fly coffee table and Tessa ottoman. A large Iseo dining table in the adjacent area is surrounded by Echoes dining chairs, with their slender metal structure and woven paper rush cord seat and backrest.
On the balcony, next to an impressive cactus, an Ortigia settee, paired with a Fly coffee table, creates the perfect setting for a peaceful moment enjoying the surrounding countryside. Furnishings for the exterior were also chosen with the same thoughtful attention as the indoor spaces. A pair of Hora Sexta daybeds occupy the pool deck, while a lounge area near the ground floor entrance features a corner arrangement of the Vulcano sofa, matched with Ortigia armchairs and ottomans and a Fly coffee/side table, to bring comfort outdoors.
Project Data:
| Project name | Villa Aghe |
| Location | near Como, Italy |
| Year | 2018 |
| Architect | Annalisa Mauri |
| Products used | |
| Photographer | Matteo Imbriani / architectural and external pictures Marcello Mariana |
