A dream penthouse in a lakeview residence

The Lago di Garda Penthouse is located at the upslope end of a complex building, the Residence Le Limonaie, which stands at an elevation of 170 metres above sea level amongst the olive groves on a hillside that slopes gently down towards the town of Toscolano Maderno. The unobtrusive elegance of the chosen materials, the large terraces, the natural setting and the breathtaking views of Lake Garda make it an oasis of peace and tranquillity. With its regular wooden-beam structure, the architectural project designed by Alberto Crescini offers a modern interpretation of the old lemon houses typical of the western shores of the lake. The building was completed in 2010 but the Penthouse remained unoccupied until it was sold in 2016. It was the new owner who commissioned the Dresden, Germany-based firm Produce Me to carry out the interior design project. « After the house was sold, we revolutionised the layout of the rooms on request of the client and developed a new concept for the colours, materials and furnishings. Our guidelines were purism, modernity and high quality », explains the interior designer responsible for the project, Sabine Schiederer, Creative Director of Produce Me. « The idea was to allow nature to enter the interiors by recreating the iridescent green-silver tones of olive leaves. » The Penthouse has a total floor space of 260 square metres spread out over three levels. The first, designed to accommodate children or friends, has two new bedrooms, two bathrooms, a sauna and a storeroom. By closing off a stairway to the lower level, it was possible to create a large living space on the intermediate floor with an open kitchen for socialising, cooking in company, dining or simply relaxing in front of the fireplace. The third floor has two master bedrooms separated by a bathroom and a 26-metre outdoor infinity pool with a wooden slatted sundeck. The pool edge, steps and walkways consist of pink Pietra di Prun stone sourced from the nearby Lessini mountains. In an intriguing detail, a glass wall in the kitchen provides a view of people swimming in the pool, creating a kind of aquarium effect. The interior floors all consist of Portland collection porcelain tiles from Fondovalle in the Hood version, a finish that recreates the appeal of hand-worked concrete. The tiles were chosen in two sizes: 120×120 cm for the second floor and 60×120 cm for the others. The only exception is the third-floor bathroom, where both the floor and walls are covered with dry-pressed porcelain tiles from the I Marmi Calacatta collection by Ava Ceramiche in a 120×120 cm size. The minimalist but welcoming furnishings were mainly produced by Scandinavian companies, while the oval ceramic washbasin was chosen from the I Catini collection by Ceramica Cielo. The lighting integrates effectively into the structure and consists of wall and ceiling-mounted spotlights coupled with decorative lights. The concept adopted on the intermediate floor uses light to define the individual areas of the open space. The exterior walls of the Penthouse are entirely clad with the same locally-sourced natural stone that was used for the lemon houses. In just a few cases, such as the wall surrounding the swimming pool, the installation pattern simulates a series of Roman round arches. The property also features three terraces with a zen-style finish located on different levels. The simple pebble paving is broken by up tufts of Mexican feather grass, classic lavender bushes and giant ornamental garlic flowers.