Martesana Luxury Villa: A Geometric Masterpiece in Milan’s Suburbs

Location: Cernusco sul Naviglio, Milan, Italy
Area: 500 m²
Architect: Luca Gemmellaro
Photography: Guido Barbagelata, Lorenzo Gemmellaro
Completion Year: 2023

The Martesana Luxury Villa, located in the Milanese suburb of Cernusco sul Naviglio, represents a sophisticated fusion of art, architecture, and functionality. Designed by Anice Architettura in collaboration with the client, this project transforms a compact urban lot into an elegant residence that prioritizes light, openness, and geometric balance.

Architectural Design and Layout

Spanning two levels, the villa is connected by a sculptural staircase with wooden treads and an ornate wrought-iron railing, creating a dramatic focal point. The ground floor features an open-plan layout, where spaces flow seamlessly between the indoors and outdoors. Custom-designed windows by deWol Industries allow natural light to flood the interiors, enhancing the connection between the indoor kitchen and the outdoor dining and cooking areas.

The façade, a defining feature of the project, plays with depth and form through a series of projections and recesses. A striking white and gray color-blocked scheme adds visual interest, with key elements such as the kitchen and living room articulated through varying volumes. The geometric precision of the façade finds a counterpart in the triangular pool wall, which features a cascading waterfall framed by iron cladding, creating a dynamic interplay of shapes and textures.

Interior Design and Materiality

Inside, the villa emphasizes both spatial fluidity and material richness. The living area is anchored by the Plinto table, a contemporary design piece that adds a bold yet refined touch to the space. The choice of furnishings, with their dense textures and deep hues, contrasts beautifully with the villa’s clean architectural lines, adding warmth and character to the minimalist envelope.

Upstairs, the private quarters are centered around a double-height void, where a glass-railed mezzanine enhances the sense of openness. The railing, suspended using hidden anchors and sleek metal blocks, offers uninterrupted views across the space, creating a seamless dialogue between the upper and lower levels.

Harmonious Geometry and Light

Geometry plays a pivotal role in the villa’s design, with every element carefully considered to achieve balance and proportion. The architectural volumes respond to the plot’s characteristics, creating a coherent composition of height, depth, and linearity. Light, both natural and artificial, is a central theme, shaping the mood and atmosphere of the spaces throughout the day.

Outdoor Living and Guest Pavilion

The villa extends its living areas outdoors, with thoughtfully designed terraces and a pool area that serve as tranquil retreats. A separate guest house, designed with the same attention to detail, provides an intimate space for visitors, reinforcing the villa’s focus on hospitality and comfort.

Conclusion

The Martesana Luxury Villa transcends the conventional idea of a “white architectural box,” elevating it into a statement of elegance and complexity. Through meticulous attention to geometry, light, and materiality, the project creates a home that is both functional and aesthetically striking. It stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful design in enhancing urban living.