A House in Sardinia by Stera Architectures: Sculpting Concrete Elegance into Coastal Landscape

Architectural Harmony with the Sardinian Landscape

Designed by Stefania Stera of Stera Architectures, A House in Sardinia reimagines the synergy between built form and wild terrain. Nestled on a rugged coastal plot that dips toward the sea, the site previously housed a modest home that overlooked its potential. The former structure was limited in orientation and missed opportunities to engage with the natural rock formations, shaded woodlands to the north, and the breathtaking Mediterranean coastline.

The new architectural vision seeks to embrace Sardinia’s raw landscape—leveraging light, terrain, and native materiality—to create a home deeply rooted in place. The house is not merely placed on the land; it is sculpted from it.

Design Philosophy: Site-Responsive Architecture

The project’s core principle was not to dominate the site but to enhance its inherent beauty. In the spirit of Porto Cervo’s original design ethos, initiated in the 1960s by the Aga Khan and Costa Smeralda consortium, the home is a testament to the philosophy of minimal intervention and maximum experience.

Stera introduced two powerful design axes:

• One aligned toward the sea, drawing views deep into the home
• Another ascending toward the cliffs, integrating the upper terrain

These axes defined the multi-leveled layout, uniting indoor and outdoor spaces in a continuous architectural promenade.

Fluid Spatial Composition and Circulation

The residence offers a non-traditional spatial composition. The main entrance is a courtyard, not a foyer, acting as a sunlit heart of the house. Rooms unfold around it, echoing traditional Mediterranean courtyard homes but with contemporary precision.

• Ground Floor (Lower Level): Hollowed from the site to sit close to the sea. Features garden-facing rooms and green terraces, such as the “flying carpet” deck that appears to float over the coast.
• Upper Floor: Contains the living room, dining area, master suite, and study. These spaces are arranged to frame sea views, shaded patios, and serene courtyards.

Material Palette and Craftsmanship

The architectural language is defined by monolithic concrete forms, juxtaposed with locally sourced craftsmanship. The use of natural stone, handmade finishes, and fine metalwork blends luxury with authenticity. The textures age gracefully, resonating with the Sardinian cliffs and coastal hues.

The house is enriched by:

• Custom window systems from OTTOSTUMM (Mogs M65 TB)
• Artisan contributions from Artigianato Pasella
• Integration of green roofing and courtyards that cool the structure passively

Integrated Landscape and Sustainable Vision

One of the home’s most poetic features is its landscape-led approach. Instead of manicured lawns, the architect retained the wild spirit of the land:

• A ledge path skirts the coast, offering access to hidden viewpoints
• Multiple courtyards and patios integrate sunlight, breezes, and nature
• The roof functions as a green terrace, further embedding the structure into its context

Living in a Sculptural Experience

Every space within the house offers a framed experience—a visual story woven between stone, sky, and sea. From the U-shaped lounge facing the Mediterranean to the intimate bathrooms and stairways that unveil new perspectives, A House in Sardinia is not just a residence—it is a journey.

Whether accessed from the main courtyard, the "canyon" spine, or the sloping path that connects its levels, each transition celebrates space, texture, and light in a masterclass of site-responsive modernism.

A House in Sardinia by Stera Architectures is a breathtaking exploration of coastal minimalism. Rooted in place, craftsmanship, and light, it offers a refined retreat where modern design and ancient landscape converge. It is an architectural statement of timeless integration, honoring the island's heritage while looking boldly into the future.

All the photographs are works of Nicolas Borel, Tiziano Canu