Nábito architects restore fisherman’s house with lava stone
Villa Lava is a private residence located in Santa Tecla, in the province of Acireale, on the eastern coast of Sicily. The project is a unique architectural blend of two houses in one single villa. On one side stands an old fisherman’s house dating from around 1900, completely restored by Nábito Architects, maintaining its essential character and carefully uncovering and preserving the original lava stone vaults. On the other side, the restored house connects to a contemporary extension that opens toward the sea, designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape of coastal lava stone, local vegetation and the ever-present Mediterranean horizon. One part looks inward, toward the historic heart of Santa Tecla, holding memory and tradition. The other looks outward, toward the open Mediterranean, with contemporary lines and generous openings that dissolve the boundary between interior and nature.
the architects carefully preserved the original lava stone vaults | all images courtesy of Nábito Architects
textures from local materials shape villa lava
Textures play a central role throughout the project. From rough stone exterior walls to azole plaster partitions and lava stone vaults, raw metal details and staircases to terracotta pots and micro-cement floors, materials form a natural dialogue between past and present. The architects deliberately preserved surfaces in their authentic state, allowing time and matter to remain visible. Texture here is not decoration; it is a tactile language that bridges time, place, and memory while respecting the surrounding environment. Discreet details add a handcrafted character. Mediterranean vegetation strengthens the relationship with the volcanic landscape. Original furnishings from the fisherman’s house were carefully preserved, not as nostalgic relics, but as living traces connecting the renewed home to its Sicilian roots.
all materials used in villa lava are natural and locally sourced whenever possible
sicilian landscape is reflected in contemporary residence
All materials used in Villa Lava are natural and locally sourced whenever possible: lava stone, lime-based plasters, raw metals, terracotta, and micro-cement. The construction process relied on traditional craftsmanship, carried out in close collaboration with local workers from Santa Tecla itself. The project became an exchange of knowledge: learning from local artisans, respecting inherited techniques, and allowing manual skill to shape the final architectural expression. Even selected original furnishings from the former fisherman’s house were preserved, not as decorative elements, but as tangible memories embedded within the renewed space. Villa Lava is more than a residence: it is an architectural narrative of contrast and harmony, a liveable expression of Sicilian landscape, culture, and spirit. Conceived to belong to the landscape rather than dominate it, the project is a reminder that coastal architecture must accept impermanence, listen to nature, and build with humility.
the restored house connects to a contemporary extension that opens toward the sea
textures play a central role throughout the project
the construction process relied on traditional craftsmanship
lava stone vaults, raw metal staircases, and micro-cement floors form a natural dialogue between past and present
selected original furnishings from the former fisherman’s house were preserved
villa lava is conceived as a liveable expression of sicilian landscape
project info:
name: Villa Lava
architects: Nábito Architects
location: Santa Tecla, Sicily, Italy
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edited by: claire brodka | designboom
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