Ecoliving | Matteo Fantoni

The Eco Living project is located in Monopoli in the province of Brindisi in an agricultural area covering approximately 5500m2 on Apulia’s eastern coast, two kilometres from the sea. Red soil and numerous olive trees are the setting for this private countryside residence. The priorities and objectives of the project are careful placement within the environment through the use of natural and local materials, thoughtful orientation, flexibility and usability of the spaces, an eco-sustainable profile and therefore the attainment of a low emission building. Eco living is shaped on a planning grid of individual 50m2 modules. The plan is spread over a large four-sided shape consisting of 12 modules. The east and west sides constitute the living areas, which are linked by a large covering designed for the courtyard between the two areas. A careful investigation of the site and its exposure to the sun guides the design of the facades, where a wood Canopy, covering the central “Patio”, contributes to controlling solar radiation. In the two living quarters, which are six metres high, there are mezzanines hosting large bedrooms, a living area on the ground floor, a large gym, Turkish bath, utility rooms and a garage in the basement. A careful regard for the environment is underlined by the choices of systems such as the installation of rainwater harvesting for the water supply, solar panels for the plumbing and heating system, photovoltaic panels for energy supply, all of which, together with the selection of local materials and correct landscape integration, constitute the ecological principles of Eco living.