Casa E: A Paradise in the Heart of the Apulian Plain of Ancient Olive Trees - Architect Luca Zana...
Luca Zanaroli - Casa E
Puglia
Immersed in the countryside between Ostuni and Carovigno, in the heart of the ancient olive grove plain, Casa E is nestled in a landscape of extraordinary identity, defined by the pattern of dry stone walls and the alternation of vineyards, olive groves, and woods. The project interprets this agricultural mosaic through contemporary architecture capable of engaging with Puglia's rural tradition, maintaining a balance between innovation and respect for the land.
The floor plan is L-shaped, divided into distinct volumes arranged like functional blocks. The compositional fulcrum is the living area, rotated 45 degrees, which helps define a private internal courtyard. This outdoor space becomes the heart of the home, accommodating the main outdoor functions such as the living room, kitchen, dining room, and pool, in a seamless continuity between inside and out.
The layout of the volumes precisely adapts to the presence of the existing olive trees, enhancing and integrating them into the design.
The entrance, set slightly back from the main façade, marks the distribution of the spaces. From here, you enter the living area, divided sequentially between the bathroom, kitchen, and living room. The kitchen opens onto the landscape and the internal courtyard through a double pivot window, while the living room and dining area, located in the rotated volume, overlook the countryside and an existing trullo, renovated and converted into an annex, through large windows.
The sleeping area unfolds along a linear hallway characterized by retractable sliding glass doors, which amplify the perception of space and foster a connection with the outdoors. The bedrooms overlook private courtyards, screened by tall vegetation, ensuring privacy and a direct connection with nature. Sliding doors integrated into bleached oak paneling contribute to a coherent and refined aesthetic.
Custom furnishings play a central role in defining the interiors. Suspended solutions, such as raised wardrobes, visually lighten the spaces and amplify the perception of space. Masonry elements, such as beds and sofas, strengthen the connection between architecture and interior design, creating material continuity between interior and exterior.
Outside, a large masonry pergola defines the outdoor dining area and extends to include a living area, further reinforcing the concept of the courtyard as the central space of domestic life. This architectural element becomes an inhabited threshold, capable of mediating between landscape and construction.
The building stands out for its visual softness achieved through rounded edges and the use of natural materials. Lime-based plaster and cement mortar floors contribute to creating continuous, enveloping surfaces, creating a harmonious and coherent image.
The project unfolds on a single level, adapting to the natural contours of the land through slight variations in internal elevation. This choice preserves the integrity of the landscape and maintains a direct relationship with the ground. Visual permeability and spatial fluidity are the central themes of the project, resulting in a living experience where interior and exterior interact seamlessly.