This Shell-Shaped Villa Has Mediterranean Views and a Windswept Feel

The seaside home was built using local materials to make it feel like it was gently eroded by the wind and the sunBoth the interior and exterior of this shell-shaped villa resemble a wind-eroded rock—a sculpture in pure white. In its main room, there’s an arrangement of coffee tables by Mogg and a vintage rattan chandelier purchased on the website Pamono. The Paysage II rug is by Atelier Février, the two Luna wall lights are by Porta Romana, and the cups and saucers are by LR Ceramics.Carolina GheriWhen designer Federica Gosio talks about this project in Sardinia, she describes it as “an arch over the sea.” Gosio—who leads the firm bearing her name and is also a cofounder of Studio MILO—explains, “the truly unique aspect of this home is its ability to adapt to its surroundings, the sea, and nature.” Overlooking the bay of Porto Rafael, an area on the island’s northern coast famous for its remote location and its scenic beauty, the house resembles a seashell.The villa looks like a white shell that has emerged from the sea to embrace the surrounding landscape . Carolina GheriThere is no single guiding principle in Gosio’s design; instead, the shell-shaped villa embodies a capacity to adapt: “The aim is to give shape to ever-changing realities, integrating it with strength and grace into a larger context,” she says. It’s an approach that characterizes many of Gosio’s projects. This one springs from the rugged land where the home is located and pays homage to its setting through its design.A custom-made bench follows the perimeter of the portico, wrapping around the space. At its center is a set of furnishings in wood and neutral-toned fabrics. Carolina GheriWorking with Gosio, Alessandra Radaelli, the owner of this shell-shaped villa, created an organic, sculptural retreat. “We decided to honor the design legacy of Rafael Neville,” she says, referring to the founder of Porto Rafael. That meant “favoring a harmonious approach in which architecture blends with the landscape.”Interior designer Federica Gosio on the terrace of this unique and intriguing villa. Carolina GheriThe villa is characterized by curved lines and pure white surfaces that also have a textured quality. Rattan and straw accents add warmth to the space. Carolina GheriThe home’s pointed arches, organic geometries, and natural materials were inspired by the earth and the sea. “The minimalist spaces were designed to embrace the sunlight, the wind, and the slow rhythm of island life,” Gosio explains. “It’s a project that interprets the Mediterranean in a contemporary way through a refined balance of memory, nature, and design.”Every corner of this villa blends seamlessly with its surroundings: In this outdoor space, the shapes soften and the lines curve. At the center is a white rattan lounge set. Carolina GheriArchitecture that feels like it’s been eroded by natureWith its soft curves, the home feels as if it has been shaped by the winds that blow across Sardinia. During the winter, the Mistral here is powerful, sweeping across the island and reshaping the landscape. It looks almost as if the same process has taken place both inside and outside the villa. The reality is that this effect was a deliberate design choice to soften the edges of the villa and smooth out its different volumes.This semicircular arch draws one’s gaze to the sea. In the foreground are two coffee tables by Mogg. In the background, on a terrace, rattan armchairs complement the organic curves of the seaside architecture. Carolina GheriBoth inside and out, the villa is a whitewashed structure that follows the contours of the land. Gosio and her team have done away with straight lines, opting instead for a softer silhouette. The signature element of the home is undoubtedly the pointed arch, used for both the villa’s doors and its hallways. “The soft volumes, textured surfaces, and carefully placed rocks guide the visitor toward the entrance with its hand-brushed, iron arched door, custom-designed by Daniele Mingardo,” Gosio says.The property’s garden is an idyllic green expanse leading down to the sea with junipers and various plants native to the Mediterranean framing the villa. Carolina GheriInterior designer Federica Gosio (on the left) and homeowner Alessandra Radaelli. Carolina GheriSurrounding the home are acres of land covered in lush Mediterranean vegetation leading down to the sea, with the route including green terraces and social spaces, including the panoramic pool and an outdoor kitchen. The feeling is that of an earthly Eden planted in a corner of Sardinia.The organic arch reveals a living space featuring an Asawa sofa by Secolo, Dune side tables by Mogg, and a vintage rattan pendant lamp purchased on the Pamono website. The Paysage II rug is by Atelier Février, the blue ceramic Anfora Anulare vase is by Walter Usai, and the cups and saucers are by LR Ceramics. Carolina GheriNatural fabrics and local materialsThe goal of respecting and celebrating the villa’s setting is also reflected in the colors and materials used throughout the home. “The white walls, the floors in Orosei marble with a bush hammered finish and ‘broken edges,’ and the organically shaped furnishings come together to create a measured and well-proportioned design, inspired by the neutral and warm tones of the soil here,” Gosio says.Access to the kitchen is also through a large, sweeping arch. The custom oak cabinets are paired with WA ceramic tiles by Decoratori Bassanesi on the wall. The table, which resembles a sculpture, is the Luna Elíptica by La Nena. Carolina GheriOrosei stone, which is found on the coast of Sardinia, not only forms the floors but also the sinks (both indoor and outdoor), a clear example of how the island was integrated into the design. Rounding out the composition is a selection of vintage rattan pieces and sculptural creations by Pretziada, a creative design practice based in Sardinia, and its artisans. Nothing is left to chance and every element contributes to the home’s exquisite design and its appealing composition.At the center of the dining area, which overlooks the outdoor space, is a Luna Elíptica table by La Nena. Next to it is a Lia Chair by Chiara Andreatti and Pierpaolo Mandis for Pretziada, a piece that is both handcrafted and contemporary, with roots in traditional Sardinian design. The Holden Linear Pendant Uplight is from Porta Romana. On the table are several ceramic pieces by LR Ceramics. Carolina GheriThe infinity-edge pool blends seamlessly into the villa’s architecture. Alongside it is a sundeck surrounded by lush green foliage and aromatic plants. Carolina GheriThe outdoor spaces in this villa are extensions of its interior. Wooden furnishings with a distinct nautical flair are set amid breathtaking green spaces with ocean views. On the table is a Mini Geen-A lamp by Kartell. Carolina GheriA custom outdoor kitchen with views of the sea. The sink is made of Orosei marble. Carolina GheriThe pool has views of the sea and sunsets. Carolina GheriThe primary bedroom, with its organic lines, overlooks the pool and, beyond it, the sea. The custom headboard is upholstered in a striped fabric. Next to it is a Holden Wall Light from Porta Romana. Carolina GheriIn the guest room, the custom headboard sets the tone. Next to it is a pendant lamp with a rattan Braided Lampshade-Bottle by Ferm Living. Atop a stone nightstand, a vase by LR Ceramics. Carolina GheriIn this bath, Totem tiles from the Nok collection by 41zero42 add texture to the wall. The sink is by Catalano, and the faucets are from the Sirius series by Rubinetterie Stella. Carolina GheriThis bath, with its rich textural quality, is defined by the wall-mounted sink in Orosei stone paired with a Roma faucet set by Rubinetterie Stella. Carolina GheriThis room evokes traditional Sardinian design with a custom headboard that’s a mosaic of shapes and neutral tones, upholstered in Zinc’s Cubilete Natural fabric. The Holden Wall Light is from Porta Romana, as is the Huxley Jordan Wall Light reading lamp. Carolina GheriNot a subscriber? 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