This imposing house in the municipality of Fasano is set in the typical Apulian mid-coast landscape, characterised by classic terracing supported by drystone walls and overlooking the Adriatic Sea. A genuine restoration characterised the intervention that breathed new life into the centuries-old building complex. The dwelling consists of an old trullo (a typical form of Apulian dwelling ndr) which unusually had half of its area dug into the rock, which was then flanked over time by a more elegant and full-bodied building, also built entirely out of stone quarried in the same place, where the clearing on which the foundations were then built was created.
The sequence of the rooms has been maintained, as have the partitions and openings while on the contrary, a great deal of work was carried out on the walls, carefully choosing those to be stripped and the methodology with which to clean them, precisely to try to enhance them, preserving all their historical and architectural characteristics. The only poetic licences were the choice of putting some succulent plants in a built-in masonry flowerpot next to the ducchena (a wide stone extension of a wall for sitting or lying on ndr) and the thin cut in the wall towards the rock, to create a small scenographic effect in the rooms.
The very special bathrooms tend to enhance the living stone even more by keeping it in the floors and in the ‘heavy’ pilozze (stone basins ndr) used as sinks. Outside, a small existing pool has been turned into a swimming pool to make the summer stays of the new hosts living in faraway China more pleasant. Towards the valley, looking towards the sea, a small kitchen area with a dining area has been created right under some beautiful existing trees, which, if looked after with care and love, will provide shade for many years to come during the long, lazy days of sunshine in this unique and sunny land.
What were the key challenges?
For us, it is fundamental that our homes feature elements that translate the essence of this land, and it is for this reason that we rely on local realities that work with local raw materials to complete the furnishing of our structures, creating incredible objects. Our collaborators are simple, authentic and strictly local people: people who know how to work with their materials and who create unique pieces with their creativity. I have a wonderful memory of the day when, during our constant inspections, we met an old man from Gallipoli who was making fishing creels in his garage: passing by, the beauty of his production left us speechless. From that moment on, he became our craftsman of marvellous creels to hang on the walls as furnishing accessories.
Real redevelopment of the territory can only start, in our opinion, from the people who inhabit it. We always involve the latter in our work, as we find that it is fundamental to fully understand a place by establishing a sincere relationship with those who have lived there for generations. We rely completely on the skill and artistry of the local labourers, who skilfully use their precious raw materials.
Apulia is an Italian region with a long and varied history: sea, countryside and historic centres intertwine to create an evocative and, to say the least, incredible landscape. Being a humble people with a great attachment to their land and large olive groves, the Apulians have been able to preserve the agricultural tradition by keeping both the historical centres and the countryside, where majestic masserie (farmhouses) stand intact.
What materials did you choose and why?
The respect we pay to the raw materials and the structure we restore is absolute: being born in Italy means a lot to us. Our architecture is essential but at the same time the and warm, without being ostentatious: PIETRA LECCESE and PIETRA DI TRANI are The main materials we use, added to wood and aluminium.
Team:
Architect: Acqua di Puglia
Photography: Silvia Brambilla
Material Used:
1. Facade cladding: Intonaco a calce bianca
2. Flooring: Pietra di Trani
3. Doors: Wood
4. Windows: Wood
5. Roofing: Pietra leccese
6. Interior lighting: Led with energy saving
7. Interior furniture: Local furniture made by local artisans - see section “interior design collection” on our website
