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The idea stemmed from the unique character of the early 20th-century boatman’s house and its direct connection to Lake Como. The client requested a project that preserved the building’s identity—its patina, the humble architecture, and its garden—while introducing a contemporary spirit. The concept focused on revealing the essence of the place through calm, essential forms. Water became a guiding element, entering the old dock and filling the interiors with light and reflection, shaping a space suspended between memory and modernity.
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The project establishes an intimate dialogue with the dramatic natural landscape of Lake Como. Suspended between water and rock, the house embraces its steep, wild context without altering its character. The renovation enhances this dynamic by opening the interiors to the lake, allowing reflections and light to animate the space. The preserved masonry and garden maintain continuity with the existing terrain, while the architecture amplifies the site’s emotional power—transforming a historic structure into a place of retreat deeply rooted in its surroundings.
Sustainability was approached through material durability and construction precision. Instead of relying on technology, the project prioritizes long-lasting solutions: Dolomia stone, solid wood, and artisanal finishes were selected for their resilience and timeless quality. The original envelope was preserved, minimizing waste, while BIM coordination reduced material surplus and streamlined the process. This low-impact, durability-driven approach ensures sustainability over time. In 2025, the project was awarded the Premio Perego and the Premio Maestri Comacini for its architectural and constructive excellence in Interior.
This project transforms an early 20th-century boatman’s house on Lake Como into a refined contemporary retreat, while preserving its unique character and relationship with water. The vaulted entrance that once welcomed boats has been maintained, allowing the lake to physically enter the old dock and animate the interior with light and reflections. A key strength of the project lies in its balance between memory and modernity. The original envelope and patina were respected, while the interiors were completely reimagined with essential, rigorous forms and a palette of durable, tactile materials such as Dolomia stone, wood, and linen. The living area, conceived as a large open space overlooking the lake, is structured around a dark timber volume that integrates kitchen, storage, and a guest suite. Spiral staircases connect the levels, culminating in a spa carved into the rock at water level. The home also integrates the client’s curated collection of high-quality vintage furniture, including pieces by Lina Bo Bardi, Ico Parisi, and George Nakashima, which further enhance the timeless and intimate atmosphere. Awarded the Premio Perego and Premio Maestri Comacini in 2025, the project stands as a discreet yet powerful example of contemporary architecture rooted in longevity and emotional resonance.
I was drawn to the soul of this place—the silence, the light, the way the water enters the house. The project preserved all of that while giving me a space that feels both timeless and deeply personal. Every detail reflects care, restraint, and a quiet sense of beauty.
Gregorio Pecorelli Studio engages Architecture across scales—from domestic spaces to public buildings—guided by clarity, rigor, and simplicity. Our aim is to reveal the essence of things, instilling purpose and poetry into space. We are currently working on residential and public projects in Italy and the Netherlands.
Gregorio Pecorelli (Assisi, 1989) studied at the Politecnico di Milano and the Alta Scuola Politecnica, later earning a Post-Master’s from the Berlage Center in Delft. He received the Premio Federico Maggia in 2015 and won Architetticercasi in 2019. He worked with Powerhouse Company and Vincent Van Duysen Architects before founding his own practice in 2021. In 2025, Gregorio Pecorelli Studio was awarded with the Premio Perego and the Premio Maestri Comacini for the Como Lakehouse project.
