Glass Tree in Salento. Ancient atmosphere among lamie and trulli

In San Michele Salentino, in the countryside of Puglia, a complex of structures from the local peasant tradition is transformed into a charming residence thanks to careful restoration, a new essential annexed volume, and an elegant swimming pool. Dry stone, corten, and glass in a concert of architectural emotions: the Glass Tree

Restoration of the ancient rural complex and new contemporary volume

The project that gave life to Glass Tree is more than just a renovation of a house; curated by the EV Signature studio, led by architect Enrico Maria Cicchetti, the intervention consists of the meticulous restoration of the trulli and lamie that make up the ancient rural complex, along with the construction of a new volume that integrates with tradition thanks to its lightness of lines and materials. Together, the buildings create an embrace around a centuries-old olive tree, a witness to the history of the place

Dry stone walls, lime milk, and rustic plaster

The complex consists of four trulli, the iconic circular structures with conical roofs, and three lamie, also typical buildings but with a square plan and a terrace roof supported by the internal barrel vault. In the restoration work, the perimeter walls in local dry stone are treated with the organic method that uses lime milk and rustic plaster; to enhance the typical construction method and material, some portions are left exposed. Excavation works regularize the internal levels and the floor of the new courtyard at the back

Monoliths carved from local stone, corten steel, and glass

In the kitchen and bathrooms carved into the ancient structures, monoliths sculpted from local stone serve as islands and washbasins with a great scenic impact. The new volume houses a living space that extends into nature and merges with it thanks to its total transparency. Walls and ceilings, supported by the corten steel structure, are made of large glass slabs, giving the complex a contemporary touch that enhances its sophistication. Just like the pool, usable even in winter, with its clean, rectangular shape, and its grey stone cladding

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EV Signature

Roma/Ostuni - Italy