Embracing Mediterranean Tones, Textures, and Materials | Villa Camilla

Discover Villa Camilla, a stunning contemporary home nestled in the Mediterranean landscape of southern Italy. Designed by Spano Architettura, this modern villa sits on the edge of Puglia, in Santa Maria di Leuca, with panoramic views of the Salento coastline.

Blending traditional Apulian architecture with minimalist, modern elements, Villa Camilla is built in harmony with the surrounding olive groves, dry stone walls, and red earth. Natural materials like local stone, corten steel, and earth-toned plaster are used throughout the home, creating a seamless dialogue between architecture and landscape.

Large glass openings frame views of the countryside and sea, while thick walls and vaulted ceilings evoke the character of historic vernacular homes. Despite its sculptural geometry, the house emphasizes energy efficiency: it features photovoltaic solar panels, a thermal solar system, rainwater harvesting for irrigation, and orientation optimized for sun and wind.

Whether you’re passionate about Mediterranean homes, sustainable design, or modern architecture rooted in place, this house offers inspiration on every level.

🔔 Subscribe for more videos on contemporary houses, sustainable homes, and architectural gems from around the world.

contemporary home, modern villa, villa in Italy, Puglia architecture, Salento, Mediterranean design, sustainable house, vernacular architecture, corten steel, dry stone walls, passive design, Spano Architettura, natural materials, eco friendly home

Credits:

Architect: Spano Architettura
Location: Puglia, Italy
Program: single family house
Completion: 2017
Photography: Alice Fiorilli

Similar Posts

  • Villa Hulliger

    The Triangle House The characteristic of the narrow, steep hillside plot is its tapering, triangular shape. The view sweeps far and wide over an extensive, natural landscape towards the valley. The layout of the stretched building follows the property line. Surrounded by small residential streets, the building is closed to the hill side, thus forming its back. Here the visitor enters the house on the ground floor, which is the middle level of three, consisting mostly of an airy and spacious area, which is the center of family life. Cooking, eating and living are combined here, zoned only by a freestanding fireplace. This all-round glazed room is sun-drenched all day and opens out to a directly adjacent pool and terrace providing a beautiful view of the surrounding nature. At the tip of the house there is a small workplace, which, like a look-out, opens out to the front of the house. Viewing it from the outside, this narrow side of the building appears like a tower, which proudly stands out as if it is aware of its imposing effect. In contrast, the long side of the house facing the valley is inviting, open and wide. It is remarkable to note how the facade is bent at various points and the building view is accentuated by these carefully folded planes. The basement of the house is accessed from this side. One enters a very generously planned garage, which is tucked away into the ground. A gym is situated towards the west and a family wardrobe towards the east, through which you reach the stairs that take you directly to the ground floor. The private areas, which are located on the first floor, are also completely glazed and offer a spectacular view, bordered by mountains on the horizon. The parents’ bedroom open out onto an exclusive terrace.