A Journey Along the Sicilian Coast: Patio House

On the coast of Avola in Sicily, boldly perched on the edge of a cliff, Patio House bears the signature of the Milan-based Solum Studio. This 400-square-meter residence turns its back to the sea while concealing an entirely different world within. From the outside, it may appear quiet and enclosed, yet the moment you step through the door, a rhythm of courtyards, corridors, and sliding glass unfolds before you. While preserving privacy, the house seamlessly brings the vast seascape inside; the boundary between indoors and outdoors seems to simply dissolve.

The Rhythm Hidden Within the Space

Spread across a narrow and elongated plot, the structure is defined by an open-air corridor that extends in a single direction from the entrance onward. Each room has its own courtyard; the shifting play of shadow and light throughout the day brings rhythm to the space. As you walk along the corridor, the calmness of the structure and its carefully orchestrated order become apparent, establishing a unique balance between the serene tempo of the interior and the surrounding landscape.

Seamless Flow Between Indoors and Outdoors

The social area of the house lies at the end of the corridor. The living space, dining area, and kitchen merge into a single fluid environment. Sliding glass doors that open to the sea are hidden within the walls, allowing the interior to form a seamless whole with the outdoors. This unity blends a simple material language with the boundless Mediterranean view, granting the space a quiet yet striking sense of grandeur.

The Meeting of Silence and Design

At the heart of Patio House lies a swimming pool clad in volcanic stone. Positioned at the center of outdoor living, the pool sits just a few steps away from the sea. The visual dialogue between the still surface of the man-made pool and the depth of the natural sea lends the space both aesthetic and emotional depth. The play of sunlight and shadows across the water creates a constantly shifting rhythm within the space.

An Order Woven with Earth and Wood

Material choices form another element that defines the character of the house. Stucco walls in earthy tones, warm concrete floors, terraces clad in Noto stone, and natural wood details merge the structure with its surroundings in elegant harmony. Upon reaching the roof via a slender, minimal staircase, visitors are met with panoramic views of the Sicilian coast.

Patio House offers far more than a simple residence; it is an experience and a rhythm to be discovered step by step. Every door, every courtyard, every corner marks a different moment. Solum Studio’s approach transforms the space into a ritual—creating an environment that slows down time, intensifies the connection with its surroundings, and deepens the experience of living. Visitors to the patio encounter not just a house, but a felt and lived experience.

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