Residential — 2024
Casa Terra
Sicily
A dwelling carved into the hillside, rooted in volcanic stone.
The Challenge
The hillside was unstable, requiring extensive geotechnical work before construction could begin. The clients wanted a weekend retreat that required no air conditioning in the Sicilian summer — a building that breathed with the landscape.
Area
240 m²
Site
4.1 hectares
Duration
22 months
Energy
Net-zero
Process
We studied the site across four seasons before drawing a single line. Water flow, solar angles, and prevailing winds determined the positioning of every room. The house is organized around three courtyards carved into the slope, each oriented to capture a different quality of light.
Materials
The house is built from the volcanic stone excavated during site preparation — over 400 tonnes of basalt and lava stone. Walls are 600mm thick, providing thermal mass that keeps interiors cool in summer and warm in winter. Unfinished lime plaster regulates humidity naturally.
Client
“We wanted a house that felt like it had always been there. They gave us a house that feels like it grew there.”
Outcomes
The house maintains a stable 22°C internal temperature year-round without mechanical heating or cooling. Water is harvested from the roof and filtered through a constructed wetland. The project was featured in Dezeen, ArchDaily, and Abitare.
Location
Sicily
Year
2024
Type
Residential
Duration
2022–2024
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