Masseria Moroseta, Ostuni

Masseria Moroseta was designed by Andrew Trotter over a three-year process to delve into the heart of Pugliese traditions of construction and building. Owner, Carlo Lanzini, wanted a modern building that wouldn’t feel out of place amongst the olive trees. A study was made of masserie in the area and their comparison to modern, minimal architecture in simplicity and the use of local materials. The end result is a piece of modern architecture that fits perfectly into the region and belongs to the ground that it sits upon. This is a modern day farm grounded in history. The masseria entrance is the only opening in the frontal wall, a stronghold toward “the enemies”, that gives no suggestion as to what is beyond. Once inside, the masseria is built around the courtyard. There are three rooms on either side which, in the old days, would have been the stables. The living quarters are in front, divided by a central staircase to the roof. As you approach the large windowed entrance to the living room, you glimpse on the left your first sights of the olive trees, pool and the sea beyond. Traditional use of the local sandstone tufo has been utilised throughout. Each room has a vaulted ceiling and 80 cm thick walls to keep the building cool, even when it is 40ºC outside. The rooms to the left have high-walled private gardens filled with orange trees, while the rooms to the right have private terraces with views across the olive grove. Dry stone walls elevate the building to catch the breeze and more of the view to the sea, while creating space below to hold the spa, gym and services. All stones were recycled from the land during the excavation of the building.