The Gaëtan Le Penhuel architectes et associés studio opted to create a biocystic, energy-independent house. A double layer of concrete is used, mixed with red and brown pozzolan from Mount Etna, which allows the house to blend in with the warm colours of the hills.
Direct sunlight is controlled by double sliding slats that also protect from intruders. The interior and exterior furniture is made up of huge pieces of travertine from the quarries of Lazio, near Rome.
On the south-west façade of the house we find a large terrace that protects the windows of the bedrooms and the living room from sunlight. The terrace space becomes an extension of the interior spaces, combining solid concrete slats with local reeds.
Bendico House by Gaëtan Le Penhuel architectes et associés. Photograph by Sergio Grazia.
Project description by Gaëtan Le Penhuel architectes et associés
Constructions on the Val di Noto hills must blend into the landscape, without dominating. Located in a seismically act ve region, threatened by fires in dry periods, this villa was the beneficiary of a meticulous materials selection process to make it safe, comfortable, and cool when temperatures reach 40°C (104°F).
Rather than opting for a white cubist project in the international style, the architects were inspired by local farmhouses. Heavy, mineral and clad in cement, they blend elegantly with the wooded landscape of these hills. The overall atmos here of this house is defined by the rustic material of hand-cast concrete.
To ensure the comfort of this bioclimatic and energy-independent house, a double shell of concrete with formwork was chosen. The outer shell is exposed to the harsh climate of the region, while the inner shell maintains a practically con tant temperature. Red and brown pozzolan from Mount Etna have been mixed into the composition of this low-carbon concrete, allowing the double shell to blend in with the warm tones of the soils of these hills.
Thanks to this high level of inertia, a passive system of Puits provençal (or thermal wells) provides continuous, gentle ventilation. The cold from the almost constant temperature of the earth (from a depth of two meters and collected by a long cast-iron tube) is distributed to every room in the house. Ceiling fans in the bedrooms provide additional comfort.
All the rooms are designed to flow from inside to outside. The house, comprising a large living room and three b drooms, is crossed by a central east-west axis, showcasing the different levels of sunlight throughout the day.
The concrete shuttering of the walls done by local artisans is accompanied by natural oak panelling, concealing doors and cabinets. Double sliding moucharabieh louvres filter and modulate direct sunlight, while protecting against intr ders. Massive pieces of travertine from the quarries of Lazio near Rome are the material for a large part of the interior and exterior furniture. We left it untreated to take full advantage of its beautiful sedimentary grey limestone.
The many outdoor spaces allow you to use the land according to the season and take advantage of the variety of views of the sky, countryside, sea, or mountains.
The entry patio is equipped with an outdoor kitchen soothed by the gurgling of a fountain that also increases hygrom tric comfort in summer. The second patio serves as the setting for an outdoor shower. This very mineral open-air room is a natural extension of the two bathrooms.
The large south-east-facing terrace protects the bay windows in the bedrooms and living room. Deep and wide, it b comes a natural extension of the interior living areas. Its contrasting structure combines solid pillars and a light arbour covered with local canisses.
A little secondary house and its arbour complete this arrangement. Furnished with a set of mobile tables and beds, it can be easily transformed from a working studio into an independent guest bedroom.
