Category
Residential | Architecture, Interior design
Location
Baia del Silenzio, Augusta, Sicily, Italy
year
2021
size
280 sqm
Restoring the Soul of a Mediterranean Villa
A luxury architecture and interior design project that transforms a 1970s seafront villa into a contemporary Mediterranean residence, preserving its authentic character while redefining the relationship between architecture, landscape, and everyday living.
Analysis
Current State
Overlooking the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea, this 1970s villa enjoys one of the most exclusive coastal locations in Sicily, surrounded by generous panoramic terraces and mature gardens.
Although the property offered exceptional architectural potential, years of limited maintenance had diminished both its appearance and the quality of its interiors.
The original floor plan was fragmented by long corridors and disconnected rooms, reducing natural light and limiting the visual and physical connection with the outdoor living areas and the spectacular sea views.
The challenge was not simply to renovate the villa, but to preserve its Mediterranean identity while creating a contemporary home where architecture, landscape and lifestyle could exist in perfect harmony.
Client
Requirements
The owners wanted to transform the property into an elegant holiday residence capable of welcoming family and guests with comfort, flexibility and timeless sophistication.
The design brief included:
- A welcoming entrance hall
- A spacious open-plan living and dining area
- A large designer kitchen with pantry, laundry room and storage
- One guest bedroom on the ground floor
- A luxury master suite with private bathroom
- Two additional bedrooms with a shared bathroom
- Flexible spaces suitable for seasonal living
- A stronger visual and physical connection between the interiors, terraces, infinity pool and the Mediterranean Sea
Project
Solutions
A Contemporary Layout Designed Around the Sea
The ground floor was completely reimagined as an open, flowing living environment where architecture disappears in favour of light, views and spatial continuity.
From the moment visitors enter the villa, their gaze is naturally drawn towards the sea.
Large new openings transform the landscape into a permanent architectural backdrop, flooding the interiors with natural light while enhancing the perception of space.
The living room revolves around a generous bespoke sofa with chaise longue, conceived as a place for relaxation, conversation and contemplation.
Outside, the original covered terrace framed by handcrafted blue ceramic arches preserves the authentic Sicilian identity of the property while naturally guiding guests towards the panoramic infinity pool and the Mediterranean coastline beyond.
Outdoor Living at the Heart of the Architecture
The expansive terraces became the true focal point of the renovation.
Rather than altering the original volumes, the project strengthens the relationship between indoor and outdoor living.
Covered verandas, lounge areas, outdoor dining spaces and the panoramic infinity pool create a seamless transition between architecture and nature.
Every outdoor space has been designed to celebrate the authentic Mediterranean lifestyle, where daily life unfolds between sunlight, sea breeze and open-air living.
Contemporary Mediterranean Interior Design
The interiors are defined by a refined balance between natural simplicity and sophisticated design.
Rather than relying on obvious stylistic references, the Mediterranean identity emerges through carefully selected materials, warm textures, natural light and subtle architectural details.
Custom-made furniture, curated artworks, collectible vintage pieces and Mid-Century Modern influences coexist effortlessly within calm, elegant interiors.
The bespoke kitchen discreetly integrates all service functions, while the bedrooms on the upper floor open directly onto panoramic terraces, reinforcing the constant dialogue between architecture and landscape.
Architecture Shaped by Light
Every design decision followed one fundamental principle:
Allow the sea to become part of the architecture.
Today, the villa stands as a contemporary luxury residence overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, where architecture, interior design and landscape design merge into one harmonious living experience.A home designed for slow living, meaningful moments with family and friends, and everyday life enriched by natural light, timeless elegance and the constant presence of the sea.