The project involving the villa situated on the banks of the lake in the Padenghe sul Garda province is a result of the restoration of an existing 1960’s villa. The intervention carried out by the architects Giorgio Palù and Michele Bianchi maintained the existing volume and boundaries of the previous villa, whilst reinterpreting the space in line with a more contemporary style as well as the specific requirements of the clients for two apartments.

The main apartment covers the ground and first floor with frontal access and the second takes up the lower floor with access and views solely from and towards the lake. The privileged position half way between the main coastal road and the private beach allow for the perfect insertion into the surrounding landscape, the flow within which is maintained via the numerous lake side outlooks and the large floor to ceiling windows found in the living area which contrasts well with the more secluded and screened areas of rest. Natural materials were chosen for the final decorative finishes. “Medea” stone used on the face of the main structure of the house, is carried through for use internally on the floors and the dividing walls of the double height stairwell that leads to the other floors.

The stairwell is also characterised by additional walls in dark blue glass that encase the space so as to avoid obstructing any views of the lake as one approaches the home. The areas of rest are characterised by the presence of walls, doors and ceilings lined in natural brushed and waxed oak in order to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. In contrast the ceilings of the living areas are finished in a white shiny plaster which reflects and bounces light and the blue of the lake and pool around the rooms. An interesting peculiarity of the property is the presence of a car lift which allows one to descend directly 9m down into the underground parking area with a 6 car capacity. This choice eliminated the need for a long ramp for access thus not altering the beauty of the gardens or impacting unnecessarily on the surrounding landscape. (ph. Roland Halbe)