Casa Bendico by Le Penhuel & Associés Architectes

Constructed in a seismically active region, Casa Bendico faces threats from fires during dry periods. To ensure safety, comfort, and coolness, especially when temperatures soar to 40°C (104°F), the project underwent a meticulous material selection process. Instead of pursuing a white cubist project, Le Penhuel & associés architectes drew inspiration from local farms, favoring heavy, mineral structures coated with cement to blend seamlessly into the wooded landscape. The villa’s rustic ambience is shaped by artisanal cast concrete.

The architects used a shuttered concrete double shell to create a bio-climatic and energy-independent home. The outer shell withstands the region’s harsh climate, while the inner shell maintains a stable temperature. By incorporating red and brown pozzolan from Mount Etna into the low-carbon concrete, the double shell harmonizes with the warm hues of the local soil.

Casa Bendico leverages its high thermal inertia with a passive Puits provençal system, offering continuous, gentle ventilation. This system involves redirecting the earth’s constant temperature (collected via a long cast-iron tube from two meters deep) throughout the house. Ceiling fans in the bedrooms add extra comfort, while all the rooms are designed to flow seamlessly from indoors to outdoors.

The concrete shuttering of the walls pairs with natural oak paneling, which conceals doors and cabinets. Double sliding moucharabieh louvres manage sunlight and provide security. Massive pieces of travertine from Lazio quarries near Rome form much of the interior and exterior furniture, chosen untreated to showcase its natural limestone beauty.

Casa Bendico boasts diverse outdoor spaces, allowing use according to the season and offering views of the sky, countryside, sea, or mountains. The entry patio includes an outdoor kitchen and a soothing fountain. A second patio serves as an outdoor shower area, accentuating the home’s connection to nature.

The expansive south-east-facing terrace shields bedroom and living room bay windows. It features a combination of solid pillars and a lightweight arbour covered with local canes, extending the interior living areas.

A secondary house with an arbour features mobile tables and beds, transformable from a working studio into an independent guest room, ensuring flexibility for different needs.