Masseria Auraterrae Refugi Natural by Bepi Povia

Masseria Auraterrae Refugi Natural by Bepi Povia is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award de Ferro in Disseny d'Arquitectura, Edificació i Estructures Competition Category.

FerroArquitectura· 2025

Masseria Auraterrae Refugi Natural

by Bepi Povia

Client: BPI&G + Partners

A' Design Award de Ferro Winner in Arquitectura Category

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Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #171207

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The Design

About Masseria Auraterrae Refugi Natural

Masseria Auraterrae és un refugi natural situat a Polignano a Mare, Puglia, Itàlia. El projecte restaura un edifici històric de 3000 metres quadrats dins d'un terreny de 120000 metres quadrats. El disseny segueix el concepte Roots, que valora les pràctiques tradicionals, els materials locals i les tècniques de construcció transmeses de generació en generació. Els materials disponibles localment redueixen les necessitats de transport i donen suport a l'economia local. S'integren la recollida d'aigua de pluja, l'energia renovable i la gestió de residus orgànics. Es van preservar epígrafs de pedra i altres elements històrics.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award de Ferro

Masseria Auraterrae Refugi Natural és un guanyador del guardó A' Design Award de Ferro, un reconeixement prestigiós concedit a bons dissenys que compleixen els requisits professionals i industrials esperats de creacions ben dissenyades. Els guanyadors de Ferro demostren una gran habilitat, una alta especialització, una comprensió experta i la capacitat creativa dels seus creadors. Es preveu que Masseria Auraterrae Refugi Natural sigui una creació molt apreciada, admirada i estimada que és pràctica i innovadora. Aquest disseny guanyador del guardó A' Design Award de Ferro integra les millors pràctiques del sector i té característiques tècniques competents lligades al coneixement i al talent. Masseria Auraterrae Refugi Natural és respectat per la seva minuciositat i està pensat per oferir millores en la qualitat de vida que ajuden a fer del món un lloc millor.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: Masseria Auraterrae is made with Roots Philosophy. The Roots concept integrates indigenous knowledge into architectural design by valuing traditional practices, local materials, and construction techniques passed down through generations. This approach not only preserves cultural heritage but also promotes sustainable and contextually relevant design.
Dimensions & Packaging: 3000 Sqm Historical Building
120000 Sqm Land Management
Tags: Puglia, Resort, Vineyard, Travel Exeperiences, Best Pratice, Roots Design, Bepi Povia
Production Technology: Masseria Auraterrae is Sustainability and Resilience project
centrated to the Roots Concept, re-using Local Materials, Reducing environmental impact by using locally available materials, decreasing the need for transportation and promoting the local economy. The building was made byTraditional Construction Techniques as applyng construction methods that have proven to be sustainable and adaptable over time. The Roots Concept implement rainwater harvesting systems, renewable energy sources, and organic waste management.
Design Challenge: Projects offering an immersive experience, transforming spaces into places that tell a story and engage the senses.
Application of the experiential tourism concept, where guests of five-star hotels can experience Puglian culture through design and the surrounding environment.
Research: Every part of the Histric Building is a careful recovery of what already existed, including the vegetable gardens in the ancient walls, the church, the reception areas and the refectory. The oldest historical elements found have been preserved, even where they are not very functional, but express great historical value. Some elements are no longer found today, unfortunately. In the face of the many epigraphs that we have found on the masseria and cleaned so that every traveler could read and interpret them according to their own sensitivity, many others have been lost; I think of the stone inscription that was located above the entrance to the garden of the officinal herbs that was removed over time as well as other tombstones that told the history of the place.
Inspiration: Architecture can empower local communities by actively involving them in the design and construction process. This approach ensures that projects reflect the needs and aspirations of the community, promoting local pride and social cohesion.
Project Duration: The Project started in 2022 and was ready for public in June 2024
Polignano a Mare, Puglia, Italy
Operation Flow: Bepi Povia is a renowned Italian interior designer and garden designer, known for creating the concept of Roots Design on South Italy, Puglia. This innovative style originates in Puglia and is deeply inspired by local craftsmanship and traditions rooted in the Puglian territory. The Auraterrae embraces an entire philosophy centered on cultural roots, the land, and authentic experiences.