Designed by architect Andrea Gerosa and engineer and architect Franco Gerosa, the Casa in Brianza is a contemporary villa located near Lake Como, where a large glass facade and wide windows visually eliminate the boundary between interior and exterior, maximizing the dialogue with the surrounding green space. The design of the villa stems from the client's request to create a private residence on a single level for the main living areas, in addition to an underground floor dedicated to garages, technical and service spaces, and a library naturally lit by a patio.
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The overall geometric balance of the project is embraced by the garden, which, in an explosion of shapes and colors, hosts resilient plant species with low water requirements. Thanks to the collaboration with landscape architect Valerio Cozzi, the garden is closely connected to the built environment: evergreen hedges frame the succession of blooms, offer glimpses of the landscapes, and bring the character of nature to the forefront in every space.
From an energy standpoint, the residence meets the client's requirements for a complete reduction of non-renewable energy consumption through the installation of a geothermal heat pump; garden maintenance is simplified to a minimum, and the irrigation system reuses rainwater. Adjacent to the house, a lightweight structure serves as a covered pedestrian entrance, integrating a large photovoltaic field. The materials used include: plastered concrete for the load-bearing walls, laminated wood for the roof, and classic travertine and natural oak for the flooring and cladding.
Considering the elongated and tapered shape of the plot, the landscapes, orientations, and the proximity to the surrounding residential area, the designers opted for the construction of a volume with an essential and decisive aesthetic. The living area faces northeast, towards the panorama of the Lecco Pre-Alps, and in front of a 10x4 meter infinity pool covered in classic travertine. The sleeping areas, on the other hand, are oriented towards the southwest and are connected in sequence, starting from the entrance, which is configured as a true vestibule. The structure, made of plastered reinforced concrete with a particular type of hand-polished plaster, ideally anchors the building to the ground, becoming the only load-bearing element of the entire envelope, ensuring solidity and low maintenance. The horizontal development of the villa is completed by a large, overhanging, and sloping gable roof with a 10.50-meter span, evoking the idea of domestic protection and the stylistic features of traditional agricultural farmhouse architecture. The aluminum-clad roof, in a brown color, receives the same attention as the façades and is considered as a fifth elevation: exhaust vents, chimneys, drainage channels, and safety lines are all completely integrated into the architectural design. The large rectangular chimney rises from the built profile and marks the center of gravity of the house, housing the technological elements for mechanical ventilation, air expulsion, and treatment.
The architecture, the light of the interior spaces, and the garden are beautiful. I feel really good in my new home!
Architect Andrea Gerosa, graduated with honors from the Politecnico di Milano, develops and executes projects in both public and private sectors with the Gerosa Studio, founded in 1977 by engineer and architect Franco Gerosa. With significant experience in designing educational, residential, and industrial buildings, the studio has won numerous awards and commissions, also due to its participation in architecture and urban design competitions. Each project aims to capture the essence of the site, reinterpreting it in a contemporary way and enhancing the history, identity, and culture of the area, creating spaces that not only meet functional needs but also coherently enrich the experience of those who inhabit them.