Etna | ItalyResidential
Villa M
Between Mount Etna and the Sea: Where lava stone architecture frames the Mediterranean landscape.
Nestled between the mountain and the sea, this narrow, elongated plot opens onto one of the most captivating landscapes of the Etnean region, offering breathtaking views that shift with the light and the seasons. In such a setting, the design of a holiday home could only begin with a deep respect for the natural context and for the rural architecture that has shaped the foothills of Mount Etna for centuries. The brief called for a retreat that would accommodate the family in an intimate, welcoming environment while also serving as a place for gathering, entertainment, and contemplation.
The resulting volume draws inspiration from the regular, monolithic forms of traditional lava-stone houses found throughout the Etnean coastline—structures that embody the history, materiality, and spirit of the territory. Yet this typological heritage is reinterpreted through a modern and more dramatic architectural language, characterized by clean geometries, strong material contrasts, and carefully positioned openings that frame views of the sea, the mountain, and the surrounding agricultural landscape.
Nature
Nature is an integral part of the project: the lush garden, rich in local species, and the lemon grove that perfumes the air during the warmest hours of the day are not mere decorative additions but essential components of the overall composition. These outdoor spaces constantly interact with the architecture, creating sensory paths and quiet moments that amplify the Mediterranean character of the residence.
Internal Layout
The internal layout reflects a clear intention: separating intimate family spaces from those designed for hosting guests and socializing. This creates a dynamic balance that allows the home to adapt to different occasions while maintaining a continuous dialogue with the outdoors.
The result is an architecture that pays homage to local tradition while offering a contemporary, refined reinterpretation— a home designed to welcome, inspire, and fully embrace the magic of the Etnean landscape.
