white volumes define REISARCHITETTURA's idyllic getaway in southern italy

when a stressed out client from new york approached REISARCHITETTURA to find them the perfect escape in the italian countryside, the design studio responded with the proposal to transform an existing stone structure into a simple and elegant summer house. situated in the heel of italy’s boot – the region of puglia – the project combines the original building with a modern extension, and focuses on maximizing the location by blending indoor and outdoor spaces, resulting in an idyllic place to relax and enjoy nature. 

all images © alessandra bello

together with the client, the design team found a three-hectare property that boasts an elevated position with views out to the city of ostuni, the surrounding olive trees, maritime pines and a small vineyard. the existing building comprised a traditional stone structure with a square plan, flat roof and 7 vaulted rooms, one of which housed an old wine press. the original structure needed to be refurbished and expanded to meet the client’s needs, although it already had its own harmony and proportion, therefore it was decided to detach the new extension and connect it through a narrow space that serves as an entrance hall.

the entrance to the house

the two opposing volumes create an internal patio from which a roof terrace can be reached via a stair. on the south and west facing elevations of the new volume a veranda, which is completely open to the west, extends outwards towards the pool, providing shade in the hot summer months.

the veranda to the poolside

the pool is slightly raised from the level of the house to follow the natural slope of the terrain, and the ‘bank’ created by this difference in height forms a seat. the outdoor area is defined by traditional dry-stone walling on the north and west sides. a gazebo-lounge covered with bamboo and an outdoor kitchen with oven are integrated into these walls, while the south aspect is open towards the valley and the impressive view.

the pool and panoramic view

the living area can be found within the new extension, while the sleeping area is located in the original renovated part. this existing recovered structure comprises the master bedroom with a dedicated bathroom, a guest room with bathroom and independent access, a third bathroom, and finally, an additional space in the old wine-press room, which now boasts a glass floor and a futon-bed. 

the outdoor pool area

the living room is conceived as a single open space, with glazing that can be completely opened out onto the veranda facing the pool. this design element allows the outdoor and interior space to be seamlessly connected during the summer season, warmly embracing open-air life and the relationship with the surrounding landscape.

living room view to the pool

the master bathroom

the master bedroom

the south-facing elevation

the restored stone structure and dry-stone wall

the entrance

view of the house at night

project info:

location: ostuni, puglia, italy

architect: REISARCHITETTURA

photography: alessandra bello

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom