Villa Belluccieli by Studio Nuy van Noort in Noto, Italy

Project: Villa Belluccieli  Architects: Studio Nuy van Noort Location: Noto, Italy Area: 4,305 sq ft Photography: Katja Effting

Villa Belluccieli by Studio Nuy van Noort

Villa Belluccieli is a beautiful modern home located on a pristine site in the harsh Sicilian landscape. Situated on a hill near Noto, Italy, this villa designed by Studio Nuy van Noort offers breathtaking views of the open countryside and creates 4,300 square feet of minimalist contemporary living space through its single-family design.

In the rugged Sicilian landscape, Villa Belluccieli sits on a high hill. The villa's design presents itself as a white rectangular form that contrasts with the gentle green hills, olive groves, and organic agriculture. Opening and closing in different directions, the villa plays with the viewer's gaze, framing the landscape and highlighting its beauty. Villa Belluccieli is designed as a traditional Sicilian rural house translated into contemporary architecture.

Considering the harsh climate, solar trajectory, and prevailing wind direction, combined with the beauty of the landscape and earthquake resistance, we were able to create a villa with an exceptionally transparent and open character, which is rare in Sicily. As a studio, we focus on the human scale: from landscape design to architectural detailing of the building, from interior space to small material details.

We carefully crafted a sequence of places: a spot to sit in peace during the morning sunrise and admire the sun rise, a place for the whole family to gather for lunch in the coolness of shade and breeze, a spot for contemplation under the protection of an ancient olive tree, a place to sip a glass of wine at the end of the day with friends watching the valley toward Rosolini. The villa presents itself as a simple single-story structure but consists of three layers: basement, first floor and terrace. The white frame slightly hovers above the ground, while a long lava wall stands on the southern side. The first floor houses the living room with an open kitchen, bathroom and two bedrooms. Living space inside continues on spacious verandas on both sides of the villa. The terrace connects the verandas with the central living space and guest room with bedroom and private bathroom.

An external staircase leads from the west veranda to the basement, where additional bedrooms, bathroom, service room and storeroom are located. A staircase from the east veranda next to the tower leads to the terrace, offering magnificent views of the surrounding landscape. Solar panels and solar water heaters are also located here for sustainable energy generation and hot water supply. On the first floor of the tower is an office with a view to the valley. At the top of the tower lies a platform for a stunning panoramic view, as well as a place to sleep outdoors under the starry sky.

Concrete stairs lead from the verandas to various garden terraces made of polished concrete. The pool is located on the western side and is entirely constructed from monolithic concrete, showing visible formwork. Due to the slope of the terrain, the pool extends from the hilltop, revealing the landscape while swimming.

–Studio Nuy van Noort