ITACA Villa

Dear client,

Following your brief, the proposal has been developed as a carefully structured landscape composition — one that balances privacy and sociability, movement and stillness, while creating a memorable guest experience rooted in the character of the Sicilian countryside.

Upon arrival, guests are welcomed into a more intimate zone hosting two accommodation units. These units are conceived as refined adaptations of prefabricated modular structures available on the market, reconfigured to meet your spatial and functional requirements. Their architectural expression is intentionally restrained: finished in soft white and light yellow tones, they are designed to blend gently into the natural surroundings rather than stand out.

Each unit is complemented by a private terrace with pergola and vertical shading elements, creating a subtle chiaroscuro effect — a play of light and shadow that enhances both comfort and atmosphere. Their positioning, slightly set back from the main communal areas, ensures a sense of privacy and retreat for guests seeking calm and seclusion.

A sinuous, free-form pathway defines the primary circulation through the site. Composed of concrete cubes arranged in an accent pattern and edged with integrated recessed lighting, it guides movement in a fluid and intuitive manner. Along its length, clusters of Mediterranean planting enrich the sensory experience, reinforcing the connection between architecture and landscape as guests are gradually led towards the focal point of the project — the pool area.

The swimming pool is envisioned as a place of quiet relaxation and visual immersion, oriented to capture the expansive views towards Mount Etna. It is equipped with carefully selected furnishings that support comfort without overwhelming the simplicity of the setting.

Flanking the pool are two distinct yet complementary zones. On one side, the outdoor living area forms the social heart of the project. Slightly elevated from the natural terrain to maximize views, it is designed as a layered platform accommodating multiple functions: a lounge area, a dining space under a pergola with adjustable shading, and a semi-enclosed outdoor kitchen with barbecue. Supporting amenities, including storage and a guest toilet, are discreetly integrated, alongside an outdoor shower.
The outdoor living area has also been positioned to allow for a potential future direct connection to the main B&B building, further enhancing spatial continuity; currently, this relationship is established through the pathway extending to the left from the entrance.

This space is conceived to create a strong visual and experiential impact, enriched by a wall-mounted water feature and a carefully orchestrated lighting scheme that allows the atmosphere to shift throughout the day and into the evening — from relaxed daytime use to vibrant social gatherings.

In contrast, the second lounge area offers a quieter, more contemplative setting. Organized around a stone fire pit with informal seating, and complemented by a swing suspended between trees, it provides a space for solitude, reflection, and intimate moments within the landscape.

Material selection is approached as a key design driver, rooted in authenticity and cohesion. Natural textures and warm, locally resonant tones are carefully curated to establish a dialogue with the surrounding landscape, while subtly reinforcing a contemporary architectural expression.

Ultimately, the proposal is conceived as a harmonious and thoughtfully orchestrated environment — one where clarity of function and richness of atmosphere are seamlessly integrated, creating an outdoor setting that effortlessly accommodates both vibrant social interaction and moments of quiet retreat, offering guests a place that is not only functional, but deeply evocative and memorable.

Best regards!