martino picchedda transforms historic sardinian residence into public exhibition space

Martino Picchedda’s Restoration of Mascia House in Simala

Recovery of a Ruin by Martino Picchedda redevelops a former Mascia House in Simala, Sardinia, focusing on transforming a historic, private residence into a public exhibition space that honors its past. This approach revitalizes the memory of traditional Sardinian architecture by reinterpreting its introverted and protective qualities within a contemporary framework. Originally a grand courtyard residence for a local landowner, the Mascia House sits prominently on Via Roma, surrounded by walls that once protected its private life and agricultural activities. The design reimagines this private space as a public square and exhibition area that showcases local heritage and products, connecting the building’s historic character with new community uses.

To preserve the site’s integrity, the project collaborates with heritage and landscape authorities. The historic walls remain intact, while new permeable courtyard flooring respects natural drainage. Drawing on influences from Piranesi and Burri, the design seeks to evoke the timeless quality of the ruins, making the walls a central feature and backdrop to the new public space. The initial site conditions were challenging, with dense overgrowth obscuring the structure. After careful clearing, the design focused on the evocative nature of the ruins, framing the remaining architectural elements as symbols of the house’s former life. By spotlighting these walls, the project creates an intimate sense of continuity with local medieval Sardinian ruins, recalling the everyday lives once protected within these spaces.

all images by ©Cédric Dasesson

Historic Sardinian Residence Turns into a Public exhibition Space

Architect Martino Picchedda carefully selected the material palette to enhance the site’s historical resonance. Traditional Sardinian ‘impedrau’ stone flooring in open spaces and basalt slab flooring with permeable joints in indoor areas maintain the building’s earthy and simple character. During restoration, segments of original stone flooring made of ‘tellas’ stone slabs were uncovered and carefully restored, allowing rainwater to pass through, respecting the site’s natural rhythms. The design integrates public interaction and connectivity, adding multiple entry points that lead visitors from the surrounding streets into the central courtyard. This main gathering space now serves as a public square for community events and local product exhibitions, promoting slow tourism and supporting the village’s economy.

Walls, treated with ecological lime-based materials, form the primary poetic element of the project, drawing inspiration from Burri’s Land Art. The preservation and minimal restoration of these walls highlight their raw simplicity and their role as silent witnesses to a past way of life rooted in farming culture. By reinterpreting the former residence as a public exhibition and gathering space, the project respects the building’s agricultural heritage while adapting it for modern use. The result is a minimalist intervention that brings the memory of Sardinia’s agricultural past into a contemporary setting for community engagement and local culture.

Recovery of a Ruin by Martino Picchedda reimagines a historic Mascia House as a public exhibition space

once a residence, the Mascia House is now a public square that preserves Sardinia’s architectural heritage

high walls that once shielded private life now frame a communal courtyard open for public events and exhibitions

restored stone slabs preserve the authentic feel of Sardinian architecture, honoring the past

influences from Piranesi and Burri shape the walls, creating a timeless atmosphere in the new public space

traditional ‘impedrau’ stone flooring in the open courtyard brings an earthy texture to the space

project info:

name: Recovery of a ruin
architect: Martino Picchedda | @martinopicchedda

location: Simala, Sardinia, Italy

photography: Cédric Dasesson | @cedricdasesson

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom