Casa ECS, featuring an adjoining artist’s studio, is a private residence located in Scicli, situated within an area of high landscape and environmental value just a few kilometers from the coast. In this area, the land follows its natural slope down toward the sea: a sequence of stepped terraces, retained by traditional dry-stone walls and cultivated with olive and carob trees, gently blends into the horizon.
The primary objective of the project is to achieve a calibrated and essential integration into the landscape, which becomes the undisputed protagonist of the intervention. The goal is to respect the genius loci, enhancing native Mediterranean vegetation and creating a natural garden where indigenous species increase the site’s ecological biodiversity, turning it into a thriving ecological hub.
The core concept relies on constructing a stone-clad retaining wall integrated into a natural drop in land elevation. Acting as an additional terrace, this element creates a seamless addition to the rural landscape and its historical agricultural footprint.
The two ground levels are connected by a system of stairs adjacent to the retaining wall which becomes the only visible facade of the house, further integrated into the surrounding context by a roofgarden.
The same attention to historical landscape layers governed the decision to excavate two courtyards on the northern side, created by subtracting a portion of the ground.
In floor plan, the spaces are organized according to geometric regularity and equal viewing perspectives: the living room and studio open onto the northern courtyards while facing the sea to the south. This layout creates the perception that the landscape flows directly through the interior of the home.
Sustainable building
The building achieves a low environmental footprint not only through its architectural composition, but also through its high energy performance.
The northern courtyards are sheltered from prevailing winds and, during summer, function as thermal chimneys, generating continuous natural ventilation that cools the residence.
The overhanging canopy provides optimal shading during the summer months. In winter, the lower sun angles reach the large glass facades, naturally heating the interior.
In addition to enhancing thermal insulation, the green roof helps stabilize and maintain internal temperatures.
All interior and exterior surfaces are finished with a traditional lime render mixed with local soils, giving the surfaces their natural coloration. The result is a set of comfortable, well-ventilated living spaces with high indoor air quality.
Thanks to these choices regarding orientation, traditional materials, and modern bioclimatic architecture strategies, the building has achieved NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Building) certification.
