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Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination. La Selva in Ostuni, Italy by Acqua di PugliaNovember 22nd, 2021 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: Acqua di Puglia La Selva was born from the restoration of a classic 70s’ house, which was an extension of a typical Apulian trullo. The architect wanted to give this building a new life. The first action was tearing down the concrete roof and the cement stringcourses, both built in the 70s. All the irregular windows have been transformed into glass doors, preserving all the typical irregularities of the Mediterranean architecture just extending them downward. The facade has been cleaned with plaster and whitewashed with lime. Later on, in front of that, the architect inserted a typical Mediterranean wooden portico.  Image Courtesy © Acqua di Puglia
 Image Courtesy © Acqua di Puglia As the building was completely white, small gardens have been added both front and back to all 3 rooms, so that each of them may have an exterior space, composed by an outdoor shower and a living area, surrounded by cactus and prickly pear; the aim is to create a kind of Hortus conclusus (typical medieval garden of monasteries and convents), where the customer can enjoy total relax and privacy. Blocks of carparo stone from a cave of Gallipoli were used to realize these private gardens; this stone is darker than the local stone from Ostuni, so the contrast between the garden and the white surroundings is highlighted. The interior areas were left white and neat, using mostly masonry and creating several “ducchene” (typical stone seat) to accommodate guests. Masonry was used to make the countertop, the boards of the bathrooms and of the fireplace too, as this element is typical of the Mediterranean architecture, short of raw materials. To underline the materiality of the area, the ancient buckets and the wide sinks were created with Lecce stone, locally processed.  Image Courtesy © Acqua di Puglia  Image Courtesy © Acqua di Puglia The living room is also equipped with underfloor heating for winter months. The 3 master-bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms, all designed in Mediterranean style. The old apron has been covered with gravel of Ostuni stone, to recall the ancient farmyard. Outside there is a wide living area with a dozen seats, poor of shaded areas, in order to fully enjoy the sun (keeping in mind that the climate in Ostuni is less hot and dry than in Salento). The swimming pool, 2x10m, was designed long and narrow, as if it were a irrigation canal for the surrounding olive trees. The sundeck has two stone-built double sunbeds, equipped with cozy cushions, 2x2m, fronting the olive grove. At the end of the long swimming pool, there is a fireplace built in the dry stone wall, in order to enjoy the pool even during summer nights, lighting it up naturally with the fire. The above dry stone wall was created as a fence around the property. Custom lamps by Acqua di Puglia, designed with Lecce stone and local LED lights are used for lighting. Raking light is used for outdoor areas, while a more overhead light is used for the indoor areas, enhancing the furnishings like a museum.  Image Courtesy © Acqua di Puglia  Image Courtesy © Acqua di Puglia  Image Courtesy © Acqua di Puglia  Image Courtesy © Acqua di Puglia  Image Courtesy © Acqua di Puglia  Image Courtesy © Acqua di Puglia  Image Courtesy © Acqua di Puglia
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