Savin Couelle-Designed Sculptural Home Wows Above The Coast In Sardinia, Italy

French-born architect Savin Couelle left an indelible mark across the residential communities of Sardinia, Italy.

His organic designs integrating native stone, clay and wood appear to be an outgrowth of the natural landscape. Artistic, rustic and honoring nature, his homes tend to merge with the land.

Villa Zahra, a five-bedroom house in the seaside resort town of Porto Cervo, bears many of his architectural hallmarks. A winding staircase connects arched cave-like living spaces that are filled with light. Vaulted plastered ceilings are adorned with local timber.

The exterior of the home is a riot of stonework. Thick stone walls anchor the structure to the sloping lot. Wide lintel beams delineate the door openings. Flat stones create the seemingly haphazard roof of the free-form residence.

An ever-widening staircase steps down from the front door to the heart of the home: a wide living room and dining area with stone seating areas, wall niches and a sculptural fireplace. Strategically placed windows and up-lighting lend the lofty space an airy feel. Exposed boulders are utilized as structural, functional and decorative elements.

Outdoor spaces include a landscaped sea-view garden, verandas and a barbecue area. Terraces extend the outdoor lounging space around the irregular-shaped swimming pool.

Set in the hills overlooking the Robert Trent Jones-designed course at Pevero Golf Club, the home takes in views of the bay of Cala di Volpe – a popular tourist spot in luxury hotel-filled Costa Smeralda.

The airport nearest Porto Cervo – wizth an abundance of restaurants and shops – is Olbia, about 26 kilometers or 16 miles away.

Via Forbes