three traditional stone-domed trulli fuse with contemporary residence by studio8 in italy

Trullo Mita Restores and Extends Historic Stone Trulli in Puglia

Located in a centuries-old olive grove in Italy’s Valle d’Itria, Trullo Mita is a holiday home by Studio8 Architects that renovates and extends three traditional stone-domed trulli. The project preserves the historic architecture while introducing modern living spaces and a swimming pool, creating a cohesive blend of past and present.

The trulli, characterized by white stone walls and conical limestone roofs, date back to the 16th century and are central to the region’s architectural identity. The existing site included three weathered trulli structures and a stone house added approximately a century ago. Studio8 Architects approached the project by restoring the original trulli and extending the property with two new volumes, creating a timeline of construction through the careful use of stone from different periods. This arrangement establishes a ‘time gradient’ across the property, reflecting the evolution of building techniques and the continuity of local craftsmanship.

the overall integration of new and old structures | all images by Giulia Gallo Comunicazione

Studio8 Architects Integrates Historic Trulli with modern Living

The main entrance is positioned within the century-old stone extension, linking the historic trulli on the left with the newly constructed volumes on the right. Large windows were inserted into the thick stone walls to improve natural lighting, while the interior layout differentiates between preserved historical spaces and contemporary areas. The oldest trulli accommodate bedrooms, maintaining traditional textures and details, while the new volumes house the kitchen, master bedroom, and common areas. The kitchen incorporates a concrete island and stainless-steel workstation, and floor-to-ceiling glass doors provide views over the olive groves, connecting interior spaces with the surrounding landscape.

The restoration process emphasized traditional Puglian masonry techniques, using mortar-free construction for insulation and structural integrity. The design team at Studio8 Architects collaborated with local stonemasons, combining modern planning and visual communication, including the use of spray-painted guides to align construction with design intentions. The estate preserves its natural, raw red soil and integrates a pool that reflects the surrounding olive trees. Interior and exterior furnishings remain understated, allowing focus on the architectural forms and spatial experience. Trullo Mita demonstrates a careful integration of historical architecture with contemporary interventions, offering functional modern living while retaining the character and heritage of Puglia’s trulli.

on one side of the extended stone house, the designers expanded and added two new building volumes

the arrangement establishes a ‘time gradient’ across the property, reflecting the evolution of building techniques

the main entrance of the vacation home is located in the middle of the gradient, the century-old extension

the stainless-steel work surface by the window allows the cook to look out onto the olive groves

the kitchen features a custom concrete island that serves both as a countertop and a dining table

the rooms located in the oldest Trullo, each have their own distinct spaces, forming a cluster of cave-like rooms

subtle lighting design draws attention to the wooden beams, alcoves, and the natural undulations of the stone walls

the main entrance of the vacation home lies within the extension, opening into a living area

the built-in sofa creates a subtle transition between the traditional and the modern

the master bedroom is located at the end of the new extension, exudes a serene, minimalist atmosphere

project info:

name: Trullo Mita

architect: Studio8 Architects | @studio8.architects

location: Puglia, Italy

area: 165 sqm

photographer: Giulia Gallo Comunicazione | @giuliagallocomunicazione

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom