De Nittis House

The courtyard house, typical of the Mediterranean area, in Apulia historically takes on a model known as the 'Masseria'. It combines the living function with agricultural activity and is the source of inspiration for the project, which reinterprets its formal and cultural contents. The building is developed on three levels following the orography of the land on which it is located. The blind front elevation is composed of a double façade open at the top that lets in grazing zenithal light, which vibrates the inner stone wall. The articulation of the façade creates a portico, devoid of vertical load-bearing elements, which acts as a filter between the external and internal space. The entrance appears as the building approaches, a gap in the façade leads into the double-height living room which opens onto the inner garden onto which the rooms overlook. The envelope is made up of very thick masonry that not only characterises it from a formal point of view, giving it a "Mediterranean" character, but also ensures a high thermal inertia.