Curated Architecture and Design from the Alpine Region

The House on the Lake

The House on the Lake

Location: Porto Valtravaglia, Lombardy, Italy

Year: 2024

Architecture: duearchitetti

Photography: Simone Bossi

A ’70s retreat turned all-season home

Originally built as a 1970s holiday cottage, The House on the Lake has been transformed into a permanent residence that reflects the owner’s vibrant personality and lifestyle. The renovation by duearchitetti was driven by the client’s desire for a home that blends privacy and conviviality, accommodating both solitary life and time with friends. The reimagined structure respects the original spirit while offering contemporary functionality.

Framed by water and hillside

The site’s dual character—lakefront on one side and a steep green slope on the other—shaped the project’s spatial identity. A descending path from the upper road creates a sense of seclusion, soon replaced by the visual presence of water and foliage. Inside, these two landscapes alternate and merge, fostering a strong connection between interior spaces and the natural surroundings.

Open layout and new focal point

Non-structural partitions were removed to enable a fluid layout, replacing divisions with open, interconnected spaces. A bold design move enclosed the original porch with glass, creating a new kitchen area central to the owner’s daily life. This transparent space opens toward the garden and existing pergola, encouraging a seamless indoor-outdoor rhythm while preserving key architectural elements.

Every corner has a purpose

The home is surrounded by outdoor areas that act as extensions of the interior. A lakeside porch offers quiet morning views and cozy evening moments by the fire, while a terrace near the dock invites sunbathing and leisure. These layered, versatile zones celebrate the house’s lakeside identity and support a year-round lifestyle.

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