Trullo Mita | Puglia, Italy

Timeless monument

Located in the Valle d’Itria in Italy’s Puglia region, the Trulli architecture is renowned for its iconic white stone walls and conical limestone roofs. These unique architectural forms, dating back to the 16th century, carry historical and cultural significance.

Design Philosophy

When the Franco family commissioned a vacation home, the site’s three weathered Trulli buildings immediately became the focal point. Their aged marks, together with the surrounding olive groves, defined the essence of the design. The challenge was to restore and renovate these ancient domed stone houses while adding extensions and a pool, creating a retreat where history and modernity meet. The balance lay in merging the vibrant personalities of the owners with the equally rich soul of the site, setting the house apart from ordinary vacation homes.

The property remains grounded in its natural setting. The estate’s red earth was left exposed, while a swimming pool reflects the olive groves, extending the atmosphere of the landscape. Interiors were kept minimal, adorned with local artworks and subtle furnishings so that attention remains on the relationship between architecture and nature. This retreat is more than a summer home: it is a monument to time, where ancient forms are rejuvenated and allowed to coexist with modern life.

Spatial Organization

The property presents a narrative of time through its arrangement of structures. From the original conical Trulli to the stone house extended a century ago, and finally to the new additions, the layout embodies a “time gradient.” Smaller stones of the Trulli contrast with the larger blocks of the century-old extension, while new volumes complete the sequence. Arranged from left to right -old to new- this gradient reflects not only architectural evolution but also the continuity of family bonds and cultural heritage. The main entrance is placed in the century-old section, linking history on one side and modernity on the other. This zone serves as both entrance and living space, with large openings cut into the thick stone walls and custom furnishings bridging tradition and innovation.

The left side accommodates the oldest Trulli, converted into two bedrooms that preserve their historical textures, with lighting highlighting architectural details. To the right, newly constructed spaces house the kitchen, master bedroom, and communal areas. The kitchen functions as the heart of family life, equipped with a concrete island and a stainless steel workstation that serve both cooking and dining. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open toward the olive groves, blending daily activities with natural surroundings.

Material Palette

Respect for craftsmanship guided the restoration of the Trulli. Damaged sections were repaired using original mortar-free masonry, a technique that insulates while preserving centuries-old building wisdom. Collaboration with local stonemasons required adaptation: rather than relying solely on experience, design intentions were marked directly onto walls and floors with spray paint, ensuring clarity. This practical strategy created harmony between traditional skill and contemporary design. Inside and out, natural stone, concrete, glass, and understated finishes were selected to emphasize durability and authenticity.