Villa Passalacqua
Lake Como, Itally ( 2022 )
Overlooking the shores of Lake Como, Villa Passalacqua is an 18th-century estate of exceptional heritage, once home to composer Vincenzo Bellini and recently restored as a discreet luxury retreat. Commissioned by the De Santis family, Yahya was invited to create bespoke lighting artworks for the villa’s spa, including a large sculptural globe chandelier and custom ceiling pieces, integrating light, geometry, and craftsmanship into the architectural fabric of the space.
Set above the tranquil waters of Lake Como, Villa Passalacqua occupies a unique place in Italy’s cultural and architectural history. Built in the 18th century and long associated with music, art, and refined living, the villa has been carefully restored to preserve its historic character while introducing a contemporary standard of comfort and craftsmanship. As part of this transformation, and at the invitation of Valentina De Santis, Yahya was commissioned to intervene within the spa, a space conceived as a sanctuary of calm, balance, and renewal.
At the heart of the spa reception, Yahya designed a large Globe chandelier, suspended as a luminous focal point within the architecture. Handcrafted in metal filigree with delicate floral geometries, the piece conceals its light source while projecting intricate patterns across the surrounding stone surfaces. The resulting play of light and shadow echoes the rhythm of water, creating a serene and immersive atmosphere that gently animates the space without overpowering it.
Complementing this central installation, Yahya developed additional bespoke ceiling artworks, including a Fibonacci-inspired medallion for the main treatment room. Referencing principles of natural proportion and harmony, the piece establishes a quiet dialogue between mathematics, architecture, and emotion. Through these interventions, light becomes both structure and sensation, reinforcing Villa Passalacqua’s identity as a place where history and contemporary craftsmanship coexist in precise and measured balance.
Photography Credit: Giacomo Albo - Stefano Anzini - Ruben Ortiz
Villa Passalacqua
Lake Como, Itally ( 2022 )
Overlooking the shores of Lake Como, Villa Passalacqua is an 18th-century estate of exceptional heritage, once home to composer Vincenzo Bellini and recently restored as a discreet luxury retreat. Commissioned by the De Santis family, Yahya was invited to create bespoke lighting artworks for the villa’s spa, including a large sculptural globe chandelier and custom ceiling pieces, integrating light, geometry, and craftsmanship into the architectural fabric of the space.
Set above the tranquil waters of Lake Como, Villa Passalacqua occupies a unique place in Italy’s cultural and architectural history. Built in the 18th century and long associated with music, art, and refined living, the villa has been carefully restored to preserve its historic character while introducing a contemporary standard of comfort and craftsmanship. As part of this transformation, and at the invitation of Valentina De Santis, Yahya was commissioned to intervene within the spa, a space conceived as a sanctuary of calm, balance, and renewal.
At the heart of the spa reception, Yahya designed a large Globe chandelier, suspended as a luminous focal point within the architecture. Handcrafted in metal filigree with delicate floral geometries, the piece conceals its light source while projecting intricate patterns across the surrounding stone surfaces. The resulting play of light and shadow echoes the rhythm of water, creating a serene and immersive atmosphere that gently animates the space without overpowering it.
Complementing this central installation, Yahya developed additional bespoke ceiling artworks, including a Fibonacci-inspired medallion for the main treatment room. Referencing principles of natural proportion and harmony, the piece establishes a quiet dialogue between mathematics, architecture, and emotion. Through these interventions, light becomes both structure and sensation, reinforcing Villa Passalacqua’s identity as a place where history and contemporary craftsmanship coexist in precise and measured balance.