toti semerano conceals salento home in cloak of vegetation

toti semerano conceals salento home in cloak of vegetation
all images courtesy of stefano zanardi

dense vegetation and a wall of stone shroud the private residence created by toti semerano architecture in a cloak of mystery. barely perceptible from the outside, the internal volume is introduced as a sudden surprise that avoids the blatant ostentatiousness of structures designed to be nothing more than eye-candy to passersby.

entering the home reveals the articulation of each of the three levels 

the interior program is spread across three floors, with a large skylight that slices the structure from roof to basement. a spacious kitchen, on the ground level, overlooks a courtyard of equal size. above, on level two, is a developed garden with aromatic plants that fill the residence with a certain sweetness and freshness attainable only by nature. the third floor loft is set back slightly, as to allow the greenery below and around to be viewable from any location. the home is located in the small town of martano, in lecce, italia. 

living room: overlooking the lower floor and garden 

curved wall and sculptural stairwell 

a complex staircase connects all floors

lower living area 

a gash-like window and skylight provides ample light to the interior  

sculptural window 

garden and outdoor staircase to second floor 

a stone wall and heavy vegetation obscures the home from the street 

sections and plans 

entrance

project info:

architects: toti semerano
design team: andra piscopo, iride filoni, salvatore musarò, stefano sabato
location: martano, lecce, italia
client: private
completed: october 2015
photography: stefano zanardi

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edited by: nick brink | designboom