A HOME IN THE HILLS OF EUPILIO
In the hills of Eupilio, nestled between the lake and the mountains just a short distance from picturesque Como, the Milanese studio of Gianluca Tronconi has completed and extensive renovation of a family home, adapting it to the needs of a young couple — its latest heirs and current residents. The contemporary vocabulary adopted by the designer has profoundly altered the property’s appearance. This is particularly noticeable in the usage of space and interplay of solids and voids. The result is a sober and elegant residence, distinguishable by its brick facade, which pays homage to the material memory of old Lombard farmhouses.
“The family house has always been a place filled with memories and happy experiences related to nature. However, a substantial renovation was necessary to align it with the comforts and habits of contemporary life”.
The layout of the ground floor was imagined with hospitality in mind — this is a house designed to be shared with friends and family, where the kitchen takes on a central role. The Convivium island in PVD bronze, with a glossy Calacatta gold marble top, connects to the Era System smoked oak dining table. This is integrated into the main structure, becoming the focal point of the space, and is accompanied by Principia cabinets and boiserie, in a smoked oak finish. In a separate, private space, created by Modus System dividers, there is a wet kitchen made entirely of stainless steel.
“The arrangement of the island allows the food preparation area to connect directly with the dining table”.
The design of the basement areas and outdoor space is similarly defined by a focus on conviviality. The vaulted cellar, for instance, is a specialised space, created specifically for the tasting of the couple’s collection of fine wines. Just outside, by the open-air pool and the garden — where the historic vegetable garden and family orchard have been preserved — a deck equipped with an Artusi outdoor kitchen exemplifies how individual areas can be transformed into unique spaces for the rituals and pleasures of sharing.
“The vegetable garden holds an emotional space, full of memories and family gestures, many of which are tied to childhood: it reminds us of the rituals of coming together to plant, harvest, and cook together. That's why we wanted to preserve it”.