Concrete and glass, rhythm, landscape. And modern style

Space, light. And water. These are the three pivotal elements around which the home on these pages evolves - a linear building, filled with expressions of movement and interlaced shapes. A language of sophisticated modernity, in step with that of Flexform: which also sparked the idea to choose it as a set for this photoshoot.
We are in Alserio, in Brianza, at the base of the Larian peninsula: the wedge of land that separates the two southern branches of Lake Como. In the Alpine foothills, amid the rise and fall of mountains and valleys, and just 40 km from the energy and vitality of Milan. A young couple of design connoisseurs chose to live here with their two children. For the design project, they contacted Annalisa Mauri, an extremely experienced architect who is also a professor and author. She explains how it all came about: «The clients asked me for a home that would accurately reflect a contemporary view of architecture and break away from the typical local expressions of vernacular architecture. This project reinterpreted the guidelines and information derived from the location in order to put it into context, as well as to meet the specific needs that would make this house absolutely livable for a family of four.
The clients had asked for large, light-filled spaces, versatile enough to accommodate entertaining (he owns a major advertising agency), and privacy. From this to-do list, and an analysis of the geography of the site - with the mountains on one side and the lake on the other - the idea for a Y-shaped building took shape. It is formed by three elongated, white-plastered structures with flat roofs that Mauri calls “ribbons”. Its size is not apparent from the street; only the most closed and compact shapes are visible.
Once inside, everything opens up. The main structure is earmarked for the living area, including a large living room with double-height windows. It also features a stunning fireplace, whose tall chimney stands in vertical counterpoint. Most of the facade is glazed - which serves two strategic needs. The first is to allow in as much light as possible, since the main house front faces north-northeast. The second is to lighten the supporting structure with glass and maximize the connection with the outdoors. An interwoven relationship that is reflected in many choices, like that of considering the balconies a perfect extension of the indoor spaces; or, like that of visually connecting the indoor pool on the ground floor with the outdoor pool and with the lake, thus creating a sort of continuous line of water.
Which is another reason why this was named Villa Aghe (“water” in Friulano, a tribute to the homeowner’s native region): «There is an uninterrupted flow of style from indoors to out», notes the designer. Size matters, 750 square meters arranged on three levels. In addition to the master bedroom with en-suite and walk-in closet, the top floor also includes a completely glassed-in space that serves as an office/winter garden and a large terrace, also accessible from the floor below, where the main entrance, kitchen and children’s rooms are located. «My aim», concludes Mauri, «was to create a warm, inviting atmosphere, despite the size of the structure. And, of course, to make the owners feel at home. The numbers may seem scandalous, but making them enjoyable was an enormous satisfaction. No one, stepping into Villa Aghe, perceives the importance of the surfaces. Yet, they instantly feel a sensation of at-home comfort».