A Coastal Italian Home Made With Volcanic Ash

Bioclimatic Architecture

0-co2 architettura sostenibile based G-M House on the idea of “architecture without architects.” The project aims to let the southeast Italian coastal micro-climate influence every aspect of the design. In order to do this, they revived ancient rules of construction and used locally sourced materials. The end result is a traditional and energy-efficient home.

The house has thick exterior walls made of Italian “tufo,” a stone that is formed as ash consolidates after a volcanic eruption. They are coated in a thermo-insulating material created with a number of local materials, including recycled prickly pear from the build site. In the winter, this combination captures and stores thermal energy.

Outside

A carefully planned layout creates the opposite effect in the summer. The architects mapped the size and position of rooms, as well as size and positioning of windows, to create cross-ventilation that naturally cools the space.

Warm, neutral colors and natural materials on the inside of the home give it a relaxed feel and add to a sense of being connected with the region’s rich history. [Photography and information courtesy of Architizer]

Kitchen