Vivere Suites and Rooms

Vivere is a study in restraint – a masterclass in how architecture can whisper rather than shout. Nestled just beyond the buzz of Lake Garda in Arco, Trentino, this low-slung modernist retreat takes its cues from the landscape rather than imposing on it. Here, concrete, glass, and rusted steel meet vineyards, mountain air, and a stripped-back aesthetic that lets nature do the talking.

The brainchild of Milan-based Genuizzi | Banal Architetti, Vivere is a seamless extension of its surroundings – a retreat where bold, linear precision collides with the raw beauty of the Italian Alps. This is architecture at its most intelligent – a place where modernity and rural heritage fold into one.

A Party of Design and Agritourism

Owners Edy and Miki Longo envisioned something different – a space that marries contemporary design with the soul of agriturismo. They took a working vineyard and reimagined it as a boutique escape that still breathes the rhythms of the land.

Just six suites are spread across this intentionally low-key, low-impact build, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of the Arco mountains and sprawling vineyards. A short cycle away, Lake Garda (Lago di Garda) glistens in the distance, a perfect contrast to the tranquil retreat of Vivere.

At its heart sits Vivere’s show-stopping black infinity pool, a striking statement in minimalist design. It catches the ever-changing reflections of the Arco mountains, mirroring the shifting light and deepening sky. Whether you’re sipping an espresso in the morning hush or unwinding after a day exploring the lake, the pool becomes an extension of the experience – still, cinematic, and impossibly serene.

Genuizzi | Banal Architetti – Masters of Minimalist Expression

Milan-based Emanuele Genuizzi and Giovanni Banal have carved out a reputation for unapologetically crisp spatial design, blending strong geometry with a deep sensitivity to place. Known for their competition-winning urban interventions in Milan, their work extends across architecture, interior design, and even curatorial projects.

With Vivere, their approach is a masterclass in proportion and materiality. The building itself is counter-sunken, nestled within the vineyard so that it moves with the landscape rather than standing against it. Cubic forms clad in rusted steel, raw concrete, and local stone create a quiet dialogue with the surrounding peaks, while the rusted steel walls echo the linear patterns of the vines that stretch across the estate. The effect is both deliberate and effortless – a space that feels as if it has always belonged.

Light, Shadow & Space

Vivere is an exercise in architectural humility. It never tries too hard – because it doesn’t need to. Inside and outside blur into one as glass walls slide away, revealing private gardens that bleed into the vineyard beyond.

Interiors are a poetic extension of the natural setting – a refined mix of oatmeal, soft pastels, and earthy tones, suggestive of the simple beauty found in the agricultural framework of the region. There’s a Japanesque simplicity in the clean lines and pared-back materiality – polished concrete flooring, timber-framed beds draped in linen, and minimalist, handcrafted furniture that doesn’t compete with the landscape.

Light moves freely, softened by textured walls and open-plan living spaces that flow seamlessly onto private terraces. The result is a meditative retreat, where design never overshadows its purpose – to connect, quietly and thoughtfully, with the land.

But it’s the pool that commands the most attention. Set like an obsidian mirror at the centre of Vivere, it reflects the surrounding peaks and sky, transforming from deep silver at dawn to a glassy black as the sun fades.

The Art of Slow Living

At Vivere, time slows to an elegant crawl. Mornings start with a locally sourced breakfast spread – artisan cheeses, mountain honey, house-made jams, and olive oil from the property. Eggs are cooked fresh to order, but the vibe is unhurried – just pour another espresso and let the morning light work its magic.

Dinner? Vivere doesn’t do a restaurant, but Edy’s family-run pizzeria is just a short stroll away. Wood-fired pizzas, risottos, and steaks land straight at your door if you prefer to stay put with a glass of homegrown red wine in hand.

For those who can’t resist the call of Lake Garda, a 20-minute cycle lands you at the water’s edge, where waterfront dining, pebble beaches, and boat trips await. Further inland, Arco’s hilltop castle offers a sweeping panorama of the valley, while Riva del Garda delivers lively aperitivo spots and boat connections to Sirmione’s bougainvillaea-draped charm.

Vivere isn’t trying to be the next big thing. It doesn’t need to shout for attention or over-style its surroundings. Instead, it delivers an antidote to excess – a retreat for those who appreciate quiet luxury, intelligent design, and a connection to place.