Page 108 - AIT0325_E-Paper

WOHNEN • LIVING INNERE WERTE • INNER VALUES

Kaminzimmer: Original-Deckenfresko, Sofa-Klassiker DS-600 • Fireplace Room: original ceiling fresco, DS-600 sofa Arbeitszimmer: Neues „Deckenfresko“ von Matthieu Cossé • Study: new “ceiling fresco” by Matthieu Cossé

L ush vegetation, mild mediterranean climate, steep green slopes, shimmering water an unmistakable mark on urban and rural landscapes, with Metropol Parasol, the
in changing hues, pastel-coloured villas: the landscape, chromatic palette, villa-
striking timber canopy over Seville’s Plaza de la Encarnación, being a prime example
ges and architecture around Lake Como create a Gesamtkunstwerk – a harmonious that captured global attention in 2011.
masterpiece crafted by nature and humanity alike. It’s no surprise that Germans – and
famously, Americans – are drawn to the Lario time and again. The renowned Bellagio Carefully renovated on the outside, fireworks of colour on the inside
Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas is named after Bellagio, arguably the most picturesque
town on Lake Como, perched on a peninsula. Celebrities such as Madonna, Lady Gaga In private residential construction, J. Mayer H. was able to experiment with new
and Brad Pitt spend their holidays here, while George Clooney owns Villa Oleandra in builds thanks to courageous and solvent clients from the Stuttgart area, Berlin and
Laglio, becoming the most effective ambassador for this, the third-largest lake in nort- near Moscow. Similarly, renovations and extension projects near Copenhagen and in
hern Italy. Nestled directly on the waterfront is an 18th-century villa that Berlin-based northern Germany have showcased his adaptability to implement impressive housing
firm J. Mayer H. und Partner brought up to date for a family of five. The villa’s outer solutions, with projects as varied as their clients. The commission on Lake Como in
walls and boathouse extend directly into the water, while its unique polygonal floor 2024 marked a continuation of this trajectory. Externally, the villa’s renovation appears
plan and zenithal skylight set it apart architecturally. Although the property underwent understated. The façade was carefully renovated, its original colour preserved and the
a “conventional” renovation – as the architects call it – in 2019, Jürgen Mayer H. and window frames adjusted to match in terms of colour. New green shutters were added,
his office partner Hans Schneider aimed to reclaim the villa’s distinctive character adhering to the region’s traditional style of sun protection. Yet true to form, J. Mayer H.
and integrate new elements into the historical structure through a dialogue rich with infused the project with unexpected elements. Colour – as mentioned, one of the most
tension and contrast. Renovating historical residential buildings isn’t typically a project striking features on Lake Como – became central to the villa’s redesign. Using a mono-
type associated with J. Mayer H. Rather, the architect, who is very successful abroad chromatic colour concept that encompasses the floor, ceiling, walls, window frames,
and studied in Stuttgart, at New York‘s Cooper Union and at Princeton University, is reveals and doors, each room was given its own colour scheme. The result? Interiors
known for his expressive, sculptural architecture, which completely redefines places, with dramatically contrasting atmospheres. Every surface, built-in piece and functional
even when – or especially when – tackling seemingly mundane building projects such object was “preserved” under these new colours, with glossy finishes highlighting the
as bus stops, motorway service stations or border checkpoints. His architecture leaves traces and layers of history within the villa. The lakeside rooms are “bathed” in bright

108 • AIT 3.2025