The home
Splendid contemporary architecture project by the Sicilian architect Maria Giuseppina Grasso Cannizzo, la melagrana, nestled in the countryside just a few kilometers from Noto, blends in perfectly with the surrounding landscape thanks to its essential and subtle forms.
The home, characterized by large windows, allows guests a vast view upon the countryside and the natural reserve of Vendicari, as your gaze crosses, one after the other, fields of olive and almond trees and citrus orchards, all the way to the sea. The interiors are detailed, characterized by vintage design furnishings alongside contemporary and custom-made pieces.
The home consists of a stationary body (the owner’s home) and a mobile one (intended for guests), which runs along tracks anchored to the load-bearing structure of the terrace. When closed, it acts as an anti-intrusion barrier; while once opened, it leaves room for a spacious terrace overlooking the countryside and the sea.
The large covered terrace, which is the main feature of the building, protrudes into the park whereas, outside the home, the former barnyard, now equipped with lounge chairs and table, allows pleasant moments of relaxation in the shade. Ventilation inside the home is guaranteed by opposing apertures, while the mobile section is air-conditioned.
la melagrana is an ideal place for those longing to combine a vacation in nature, near the sea, with the chance to visit baroque art sites of extraordinary elegance. In fact, it is only 5 km from the city of Noto and 15 minutes from the golden beaches at the natural reserve of Vendicari.
publications: Monopol | living.corriere.it | RUM | Elle Decor | La Repubblica | Domus | Domus web | ArchDaily | Io Donna
awards: RIBA Awards 2012, UK | special mention European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture – Mies van der Rohe Award 2013
exhibitions: “Loose Ends”, aut. architektur und tirol, Innsbruck, 2014 | “Reporting from the Front”, Architecture Biennale 2016, Venice
details: 3 master bedrooms, one of which can be converted into a double-bedroom (6 sleeping accommodations) | 2 baths/showers | large living room with kitchen unit, adjacent spacious covered terrace | pantry | washing room | utility room | outside the home, equipped former barnyard in ancient stone, circa 60 sqm.
NB: the terrace is, by design, without railings. The house is not suitable for children under 8 years old.
services: television | dish washers | washing machine | fridge with freezer | electric oven | gas burners | heating system with partial air conditioning | ceiling fan | kettle | juicer | toaster | blow dryer | Internet wi-fi 30GB/month | general utilities included (electricity, gas, water)