An Inviting Transformation
At the Mandarin Oriental Lago di Como, L’Aria offers a seamless blend of old and new. Originally a modest pavilion, the site now embraces its surroundings with a five-meter extension, housing a weather-protected veranda that offers dining with expansive lake views. The renovation, spearheaded by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron, preserves the essence while enhancing functionality.
For more inspiration on incorporating classic design elements, explore how to rejuvenate a dated kitchen with modern touches.
A Versatile Interior
Inside L’Aria, a large adaptable marble bar doubles as a breakfast nook by morning and an aperitivo or omakase bar by night. Cast-glass luminaires provide a golden glow, transforming the atmosphere as day turns to evening. The bar’s design allows stools to tuck neatly underneath, maintaining a sleek, sculptural facade.
Elegance in Details
Palladiana terrazzo flooring, crafted from Botticino and Bianco Perlino marble, echoes the traditional designs of nearby villas. Rose-colored wall panels, embroidered with leaf motifs by Rubelli, embellish the space. The Calacatta Oro marble bar, set on a leather-upholstered base, draws the eye, while dark walnut furniture connects to Villa Roccabruna’s historic palette.
Discover how ceramics can elevate design in furniture and architecture, akin to the refined details in L’Aria.
A Symphony of Light
The ceiling, tiled with cast glass, captures and shifts light, echoing the reflective waters of the lake outside. Brass behind the glass provides a shimmering effect, transitioning from opaque gold to translucent hues, which enhances the room’s luxurious ambiance.
Seamless Design
Furniture within L’Aria is bespoke to the restaurant, enhancing continuity from the villa’s bistro to the outdoor areas. The leaf motif continues onto the veranda, etched in sgraffito fresco, blurring the lines between interior and exterior.
Harmonizing with Nature
The greenhouse structure utilizes latticed panels mimicking botanical garden trellises, providing shade and climatic comfort. Their checkered shadows mirror the Verde Alpi marble flooring, while red-lacquered chairs infuse bursts of color amidst the verdant decor.
Historical Connections
An underground passage links the pavilion to the historic Villa Roccabruna, revealing a timber-lined wine cellar, complete with tasting niches—a perfect retreat from inclement weather leading back to the main restaurant.
Endless Possibilities
As the day closes, the shift from breakfast to evening showcases L’Aria’s dynamic versatility. Once the omakase experience concludes, the marble bar returns to its pristine form, readying for tomorrow’s transformation.
Source: urdesignmag.com
Frequently asked questions
How was the pavilion transformed at Lago di Como?
The site now features a five-meter extension with a weather-protected veranda, offering expansive lake views. The renovation led by Herzog & de Meuron preserves its essence while enhancing functionality, blending old and new elements.
What are the design features of the L’Aria bar?
Inside L’Aria, the adaptable marble bar serves as a breakfast nook by morning and an aperitivo or omakase bar by night, with cast-glass luminaires providing a golden glow. The bar’s design allows stools to tuck underneath, maintaining a sleek facade.
How does L’Aria blend interior and exterior design?
The furniture is bespoke, enhancing continuity from the villa’s bistro to outdoor areas, with a leaf motif etched on both interiors and the veranda. Latticed panels provide shade and mimic botanical garden trellises, blending with the natural environment.