Nestled amongst centuries-old olive groves in the Pugliese countryside near the medieval town of Oria, Borgo Gallana is a rural retreat conceived as an authentic reflection of the region’s traditional way of life, albeit filtered through a lens of crisp elegance and modern comfort. Owner Giuseppe De Vanna grew up in Puglia, so, at its core, the project reimagines the “happy place” of his childhood. Working with two existing farm structures, Barcelona-based architect, designer and art director Andrew Trotter has created an ascetic yet soulful sanctuary that channels Puglia’s vernacular heritage, traditions, and close communion with nature. Conceived as a small hamlet – borgo means village in Italian – the whitewashed development comprises three independent houses, each one with its own terrace and outdoor bath/shower, with a communal pool set amid unassuming Mediterranean gardens.

Using traditional building methods and local materials, most notably tufo, a soft sandstone rock used in local construction since ancient times to keep buildings naturally cool during the summer, Trotter has renovated and extended the existing two structures in keeping with the vernacular aesthetic of clean lines, simple geometric volumes and whitewashed surfaces. Arched windows and doors further enhance the sense of geometric elegance while slim black-painted window frames and light sconces, the latter by Trotter’s studio, discretely accentuate the all-white volumes.