In the heart of Puglia, this project integrates a natural swimmingpool with a Mediterranean garden, where materials and vegetation interact to create a small oasis of wellbeing and biodiversity. Trani stone, laid opus incertum, defines the biolake’s edge and extends through the solarium paving, stairways, and connecting areas at the back of the garden. This continuity of materials links the different outdoor spaces, ensuring both stylistic and functional coherence across the entire composition.
The organic pool is divided into two sections — a 15 m² phytodepuration zone and a 45 m² swimming area — and uses a natural filtration system based on aquatic plants, biological filters, and a closed-circuit technical setup. Underwater LED lighting enhances the reflections of the stone used throughout the project: for the cascading waterfall, the stream connecting the plant basin to the swimming area, and the shallow beach that provides safe and gradual access to the water. The waterproofing liner, in a warm sand tone, harmonizes beautifully with the ever-changing light.
Aquatic species include Phragmites australis, Iris ensata variegata, Iris pseudacorus, Nymphaea rustica (varieties), Hibiscus moscheutos, Mentha aquatica, Lythrum salicaria, and Juncus, among others.
The surrounding garden features Mediterranean shrubs and aromatic perennials such as Helichrysum italicum, Salvia nemorosa, Thymus serpyllum, Santolina chamaecyparissus, Rosmarinus officinalis, and Passiflora caerulea, interspersed with Erica vagans, Genista tinctoria, and Gazania rigens. The lawn, composed of Festuca arundinacea (90%) and Poa pratensis (10%), lends the garden a soft, natural appearance.
Location: Province of Bari
Year: 2023
Design: Arch. Riccardo Leone
Construction: Vera Luciani with Officine Marchesi 1815
Photos: Annalisa Pugliese
