Casa Ulìa, Salento

In the heart of the Salento region countryside, in an area known for oil production and sheep rearing, Margine completes “Casa Ulìa” a Mediterranean-style detached residence designed for a young couple  he a building contractor and she a professor who wanted an oasis of peace, equipped with all comforts, just a few kilometers from Lecce.

Nestled among centuries-old olive trees – hence the name Ulìa – the residence stands out against the rural setting with its sculptural white volume and inter-carved large windows that seamlessly connect the interiors with the surrounding landscape. The local Leccese stone adopted for the exterior paving, elevations and gelosie (stone screen) that gently filter natural light into the interiors, echoes the region’s vernacular tradition.

The living area is lined with two oak paneling panels. The first, in planking, houses the TV wall, behind which is a study and bathroom, while the other, along with the island, defines the kitchen area. A glass window etched into the paneling, framing the landscape, giving the feeling of cooking in plein air. Wide passages from the living area to the garden, revealed through large panoramic windows, lead to a pergola that screens the outdoor veranda, creating the ideal setting for outdoor dining in Summer.

A large central fireplace, the beating heart of the villa, unites the dining and living areas, completing the living room by enveloping guests in a cozy and convivial atmosphere. The passage to the sleeping area leads through a hallway equipped with an elegant built-in closet to reveal the master bedroom, which, like the living area, is distinguished by two paneling panels. The first, acts as the headboard of the bed integrating a shelf/bedside table; the second, discreetly conceals the walk-in closet, elegantly framing the dresser and giving the room a touch of intimacy. Internally, the house stands out for its essential lines and refined use of materials, with white plaster and stone-effect stoneware floors that also cover the bathroom. The use of large formats brings continuity to the surfaces, fueling the overall minimalism of the design.