Designed by Markéta Killi of Prague-based studio Urban Interior, Villa Normanni comprises two villas positioned opposite one another and connected by a sun terrace with a swimming pool. Located near San Vito dei Normanni in Puglia, southern Italy, the complex sits within an olive grove landscape and draws on traditional local forms reworked through a contemporary architectural language.
Project origins and setting
Villa Normanni began as a privately developed holiday retreat in southern Italy, shaped by a clearly defined budget. Land purchase, construction, and associated costs were financed through the sale of two properties in Prague.
Although initially conceived as an investment project, the development also took on a personal dimension through the close involvement of Markéta Killi’s husband. Italy was selected for its architectural, cultural, and design heritage, while the Puglia region offered a setting shaped by both the Adriatic and Ionian seas alongside growing tourism and comparatively accessible development opportunities.
Architecture and outdoor living
The complex combines a 124-square-metre newly constructed main villa with a smaller 41-square-metre villa adapted from an existing agricultural structure known as a lamia, once used for storage within the olive grove. In response to the Mediterranean climate and the project’s use as a holiday retreat, the living spaces extend outdoors through pergolas, verandas, an outdoor kitchen, a fireplace terrace, a sun deck with swimming pool, and covered parking.
The architectural language references regional building traditions through a single-storey composition with white-plastered facades. Characteristic local elements include an external staircase leading to a walkable roof, softened edges, a chimney, traditionally shaped pillars, walls constructed from local tufo stone, reed-covered shading, and pietra Leccese flooring.
Green-grey window frames contrast with the white exterior surfaces, connecting the buildings to their olive grove surroundings. Large folding windows orient both villas towards the swimming pool and surrounding landscape, reducing the distinction between interior and exterior spaces. Much of the furniture was brought from the Czech Republic and combined with custom-made pieces designed for the project.
Interior character and layout
Inside, the restrained material palette continues through the use of wood, linen, rattan, and stone. Varied textures create interiors that remain restrained while retaining a sense of warmth.
The main villa is organised around a central living, dining, and kitchen space, alongside three ensuite bedrooms. Supporting facilities, including laundry and storage, are positioned separately.
The smaller villa functions as a self-contained apartment with a living room, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom. Its architectural treatment intentionally differs from the main villa, drawing on the character of older rural structures through both the facade and interior design. Two ceramic Pina figures placed on the roof reference a local tradition in which they are believed to bring good fortune.
Systems and construction
Designed for year-round use, the villas incorporate integrated heating, cooling, renewable energy, water collection, and electric vehicle charging systems, supporting a degree of on-site autonomy.
During construction, the design team remained open to recommendations from the local building company, particularly regarding material selection and construction methods. Over time, the process developed into a close exchange with local craftspeople, whose experience and established techniques informed several adjustments to the original proposals developed in Prague. The collaboration offered further insight into regional construction practices and material traditions.
Landscape and planting
The 1.7-hectare site contains approximately 140 olive trees alongside oak, pomegranate, pear, plum, and fig trees. Around the swimming pool, a new landscape scheme was developed based on the idea of a ‘desert garden’.
The planting concept centres on Opuntia ficus-indica, a cactus species widely found in the region and locally referred to as the ‘Indian fig’. Selected for its scale and sculptural form, the cactus is arranged within white gravel surrounding the pool, creating a landscape composition that contrasts with the water and the wider olive grove setting.
