The Stone House started from the rehabilitation of a pre-existing structure composed of three volumes, already quite degraded, but of great architectural interest, especially due to the way they were situated on the land. We found three volumes embedded in the rocks of a steeply sloping plot marked by the expressive presence of the limestone characteristic of the area.

The project is based on the principles of humanist and sustainable architecture, prioritizing the comfort of those who inhabit the house. Respect for the existing structure is combined with responsible construction choices, guiding finishes, materials, and construction practices.

The result is a comfortable house, marked by the natural tones of stone, wood, and natural finishing materials. The relationship with the surrounding landscape is reinforced through the opening of new accesses and the simplification of existing ones, allowing a larger glass area and a more direct connection between interior and exterior.

The spaces are articulated with each other and open to the surroundings from different points of view. The scale of the house is redefined through more open, yet still welcoming spaces, where textures and natural tones create an atmosphere that envelops and embraces its inhabitants.

The main volume, where the dwelling was originally located, had a very compartmentalized layout and it was characterized by dressed stone masonry walls, approximately 50 cm wide. The other two volumes were a more precarious construction, used as annexes supporting the main space. Evidently, the stone volume corresponds to the original construction, and it is in this volume where the main social spaces of the house are located: the kitchen, the dining room, and the living room. The intervention strategy involved simplifying the floor plan, transforming it into a large, continuous space where the living and dining areas coexist. The kitchen is placed on a slightly elevated level, maintaining a strong visual and functional relationship with the other spaces through the opening of a large gap in the wall that previously separated them. Also within this volume are a laundry/pantry supporting the kitchen, a bedroom, and a bathroom, both with openings facing an external patio. In the central volume, which connects the other two sections, a leisure room was created for contemplating the landscape. This space is marked by a generous horizontal opening, which frames the view and reinforces the relationship with the horizon line. Finally, the third volume houses the master suite. The bedroom establishes a direct relationship with a private patio, created from the demolition of an old, precariously constructed shed. This operation freed up space between the building and the land, creating an external patio that ensures privacy from the street and neighboring buildings, while reinforcing the connection between the dwelling and the external space.

The access to the house is via a sequence of platforms that naturally overcome the slope of the land. This solution seeks to respect the existing topography, using the site's own stones to construct the different levels and steps, creating a careful and scenic approach path that prepares for arrival at the house.

The stone takes the stage in the intervention, defining the identity of the house. Originally hidden by successive layers of plaster, it is revealed by the project, exposing its stereotomy, texture, and natural tone. Its presence gives character to the spaces, reinforcing the authenticity of the construction and providing an atmosphere of comfort and permanence.

The selection of materials and construction techniques is based on principles of sustainability and circular economy, prioritizing solutions with reduced embodied energy and the reuse of resources. The use of handcrafted and natural materials was chosen, such as solid wood floors and joinery, ceramic bricks in the sanitary facilities, and wall coverings executed on-site with lime and sand-based mortar. The ceramic coverings use second-choice hand-painted artisanal tiles, whose small imperfections do not compromise their quality but give uniqueness to the pieces and constitute a way to reduce waste. The stone resulting from the demolitions was fully reused in the construction of steps, walls, and external landings, preserving the material continuity of the intervention. Several recovered and rehabilitated elements were also integrated, extending their life cycle. Highlights include the second-hand wooden main door and old wooden door sills, reused as beams and steps in the opening connecting the kitchen to the living and dining areas. These choices reinforce the house's identity and reflect a conscious approach to resource use, reconciling memory with historical elements.