01 - Anima Sarda

Sardinia is an ancient land, whose rocks—once submerged—have been shaped over millennia by water and wind. The beauty of the Sardinian landscape is marked by the silence of nature, the unobstructed perception of the horizon stretching for miles, and the vegetation dominated by the unmistakable presence of Mediterranean scrub with its characteristic scents.

Anima Sarda is located in southern Sardinia, in the foothill area of the municipality of Pula, specifically in the locality of Is Molas. It lies within a landscape where the observer's gaze is captivated by the unspoiled beauty of the place, dominated by Mediterranean scrub with its aromatic species such as myrtle, rockrose, heather, rosemary, helichrysum, wild olive, strawberry tree, and mastic tree. The view extends freely from the rugged slopes of the nearby mountain park descending steeply from the west, all the way to the horizon line of the sea and the isthmus of the Gulf of Nora and its tower.

The project draws inspiration from one of the archetypes of traditional Sardinian architecture: the stazzo. This type of building was the heart of rural life, serving as a base for pastoral activities. It was a simple, basic structure formed by a single quadrangular unit, with one entrance located on the side sheltered from sun and wind, a dirt floor, stone walls, and a roof made of wood and reeds, topped with terracotta tiles. Additional single-story units were gradually added, and from afar, the house appears as a horizontal trace, adapting to the natural slope of the land.

The fundamental question when designing in such a context is how to act in a way that preserves the delicate balance between the lines of the architecture and those of the landscape, where the reference scale becomes that of the shrub and the rock emerging from the soil.

The answer, then, lies in architecture that captures the very essence of the place—a trait d’union between man and nature.

This is an architecture that grows from the ground, deeply rooted in it, interpreting the topological condition so as to appear as a natural outgrowth—like a rocky outcrop shaped by sun, wind, and water. The natural and artificial blend into a formal synthesis without altering the natural character, thus capturing the essence of the genius loci. The structure fits into the spaces left free by rocks and vegetation, leaning alongside them and adding emotional value to the architecture.

The interior spaces result from the juxtaposition of several basic cells, arranged according to two directions that echo the terrain’s contours, achieving a harmonious relationship between the parts and offering ever-changing views to the outside. Solid wall masses prevail over empty space, embodying the idea of highly introspective architecture that respects heliothermal conditions. The house remains entirely closed on the northwest side, reserving openings for the opposite side—designed as focal points, privileged vantage spots for observing the landscape.

Access from the road is mediated through an entry courtyard enclosed by low stone walls. The interior layout, formed by grouping independent elementary units, unfolds across three terraces to accommodate the changes in elevation caused by the land’s natural slope. The house is designed as a holiday home, intended to host a family and its guests. Thus, it is conceived to be expandable through the addition of elementary volumes, metaphorically mirroring the Mediterranean scrub that spreads and incorporates space. The living area is made visible by fireplaces—symbolizing the domestic hearth—that rise above the horizontally developed perimeter walls. The sequence of interior spaces is interrupted by a more intimate patio, enclosed within the house and open only to the sky.

The building strongly evokes the ancestral character of Sardinian architecture, adopting traditional construction techniques—thick load-bearing walls made of masonry and rough plaster, mimicking the color and uneven surface of natural rock. The sloped roofs are finished with clay tiles and bordered by parapets at various heights, giving the building an organic rhythm. In contrast, the living areas are defined by flat roofs, accessible by a masonry staircase offering a privileged view of the surrounding landscape.

The transition between interior and exterior is made gradual through pergolas that filter sunlight, built with wooden structures and cane covering. These provide shaded outdoor extensions of the living areas and form a subtle link between the house and the natural open-air environment. In fact, the house fully opens toward the southeast side, blending seamlessly with nature—lacking barriers and following the natural slope of the land.

The house maintains the character of essential architecture even in the interior design, where space is organized by using the wall mass—carving into the thickness to accommodate furnishings, creating a spatial hierarchy that once again echoes the traditional Sardinian dwelling.