Matilde, a former fashion stylist and current creative director of C&C Milano, and Alex, a chef and entrepreneur, wanted to create a home that wasn’t just about aesthetics but also about honoring the land. To do so, they relied on the mastery and design philosophy of renowned Portuguese architect Manuel Aires Mateus. The result is a home that tells a personal and thoughtful story, brought to life through my lens as a photographer.

The design of this house is a perfect example of how the past and present can coexist in aesthetic harmony. Aires Mateus’ design philosophy for this project was rooted in the principle of 'not creating, not destroying’, a concept that guided every step of the transformation. The tower’s original structure was carefully preserved, with its historic walls serving as the layout for the new design. Only one part, a small, outdated extension of the tower, was removed, and the stones carefully recycled to form the swimming pool and walkways though the fields.

The materials were selected not only for their sustainability but also for their ability to connect the house to its natural surroundings. Locally sourced stone, for example, helps the home maintain a local character typical of Puglia, while windows on both sides of the house offer views of the olive groves and wildflower fields, connecting the inside and outside environments. The couple was determined to preserve the local landscape, intentionally keeping the indigenous wildflowers and letting them flourish freely around the tower. This commitment stems from a belief that the environment should be integrated, not altered for convenience or visual effect.

For Matilde and Alex, the home is more than just a beautiful space, it’s a personal connection to the land and a commitment to a slower, sustainable life. I could sense it in every corner — whether it was a simple picnic at the stone bench outside or an afternoon aperitivo, where we shared conversations about their thoughts and ideas. Through my lens, I aimed to capture both the architectural essence and the life that is lived within this home, along with the unique energy it exudes. The images tell the story of a place where modern design and sustainability come together, and where everyday moments flow naturally from the connection to its surroundings.