Terraces and stratifications, glass walls and infinity pool. Between joints and jolts, dichotomies and assonances, Villa Lea was shaped by Studio Donizelli to blend in and at the same time open up to the landscape of the Côte d'Azur

Grafted onto a plot of 4,500 m2 spread over a series of terraces enriched by dense Mediterranean vegetation, Villa Lea, designed by Studio Donizelli, faces the splendid inlets of the Côte d'Azur near Monte Carlo, visible from the garden and from the huge windows of the residence which offer a panoramic view of the gulf.

The morphology of the villa shaped by the rock

The relationship between interior and exterior, developed to achieve a harmonious integration with the landscape, is the basis of the project curated by the two architects Massimo and Marco Donizelli of the homonymous Milanese studio. Flanked by three dependences, the morphology of the manor house is in fact shaped by the rocky wall on which it is grafted. The pudding spur wraps the building from top to bottom and is used as a rough base corresponding to a portion of the ground floor, on which the first and second levels rest.

Between dichotomies and assonances

Fascinating dichotomies emerge from the sculptural configuration that distinguishes the residence; the one between natural and artificial stands out, between the random (unworked) profile of the rock and the rigorous geometry of the contemporary volume. However, there is no lack of similarities, between the marked lines of the terraces and the sharp edges of the ' building, between the pure colors of the envelope and the parapets in transparent glass, in contrast with metal strips of the brise-soleil.

Indoor and outdoor spaces: from the roof terrace to the living room to the Zen garden

The large roof terrace, as if it were an en plein air living room set up with a Baxter table and sofas by Paola Lenti, defines the top of Villa Lea and welcomes the entrance from the street. The ' access to the ' home can take place via the panoramic lift or via an external staircase, which follows the shape of the 'building and leads to the first floor. Here, the living area, characterized by the presence - material, raw and ancestral - of the rocks, is composed of a billiard room , a wine cellar and a patio with Zen garden in miniature, in addition to the living of 150 square meters, set up with Knoll seats and B&B Italia outdoor chair, a room for professional food preparation and a large kitchen.

The kitchen configured as l ’architecture

The layout of the kitchen recalls the stylistic code of the villa. The central island is in fact characterized by elements placed on different levels, interlocked with each other, such as the marble block which is grafted onto the light volume with worktop cantilevered, made of synthesized stone Lapitec, in the Polar White nuance and Satin finish.

The dualism of sintered stone

The choice of sintered stone to make the kitchen confirms the dualism sought by Studio Donzelli in the housing project: high-performance technological soul ( result of a production process covered by 25 patents) combines the natural aesthetics of marble. As a top and as a covering of the island, Lapitec guarantees maximum strength and durability, thanks to the surface without pores (therefore non-absorbent and perfectly hygienic) and the resistance to scratches, shocks, temperatures, UV rays, chemicals and acids.

The windows expose to the landscape, to become a cocoon in the evening

Framed by thin windows, the full-height windows created by Sky-Frame constitute the only element that separates the living and kitchen areas from the terrace. Like transparent and evanescent membranes, when they are open they give rise to a fluid space, easily usable, completely oriented towards the exposure towards the horizon; when they are closed they create a feeling of shelter, transforming large spaces into a sort of contemporary refuge warmed by a enveloping lighting. The same layout is repeated on the upper level, dedicated to the sleeping area, where the large master suite, two bathrooms, two walk-in closets and a private study are located.

Wellness, hospitality and entertainment

At level 0, partially underground, two bedrooms with bathroom dedicated to guests have been created, the cinema room, the spa, complete with hydromassage, Hammam and emotional shower, a gym, a pilates room and a pool house with kitchen and living room, directly overlooking the large outdoor swimming pool, equipped with hydromassage stations.

The infinity pool overlooking the bay

Surrounded by the lush greenery of the garden, the infinity pool is set up with numerous conversation, relaxation or dining corners and is dotted around the perimeter with small luminous spots embedded in the flooring. Lighting by Zumtobel is also provided inside, thanks to lighting fixtures with chromotherapy operating during the evening and at night, which emphasize the dark-colored coatings, in contrast with the flooring chosen in beige tones.

The uncanny charm of the dark upholstery

The bathtub is entirely covered in Lapitec , in the Terra Ebano nuance and Vesuvio finish, skilfully worked here by the company Freri e Brignoli  to fully exploit the potential of the material. High workability, tension reduction and XXL format have in fact made it possible to minimize the junction marks (more subject to maintenance) and to create curvilinear terraces and 45-degree cut elements.