/ARCHITECTURE/newswire -- COMO, CO, ITALY -- FRIDAY, 01 AUGUST 2025, 11:47 UTC+1
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ITALY -- /ARCHITECTURE/newswire -- Jul 27, 2024
Bepi Giuseppe Povia's Masseria Auraterrae, a nature resort in Polignano a Mare, Puglia, Italy, has been awarded the Iron A' Design Award 2025 for its innovative integration of local traditions, sustainable practices, and community involvement, officially opening to the public in June 2024.
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Masseria Auraterrae, designed by renowned Italian designer Bepi Giuseppe Povia, stands as a testament to the power of architecture rooted in local heritage and sustainability. Located in Polignano a Mare, Puglia, and completed in June 2024, the 3,000 sqm historical building and its expansive 120,000 sqm managed landscape have been meticulously restored and reimagined to reflect the unique culture and traditions of the region. The project's guiding principle, the Roots Philosophy, integrates indigenous knowledge, traditional construction techniques, and locally sourced materials, ensuring that every aspect of the resort honors the area's agricultural and architectural legacy.
Central to Masseria Auraterrae's design is the active involvement of the local community throughout the restoration process. By engaging local artisans and utilizing time-honored methods, the project not only preserves the site's historical elements-such as ancient vegetable gardens, a church, and original inscriptions-but also fosters social cohesion and economic growth within the region. The resort incorporates sustainable technologies, including rainwater harvesting, renewable energy, and organic waste management, further minimizing its environmental impact and promoting resilience.
The immersive guest experience at Masseria Auraterrae is shaped by Bepi Povia's vision of experiential tourism, where visitors are invited to connect deeply with Puglian culture through architecture, landscape, and authentic activities. The resort's design challenges conventional hospitality by transforming spaces into living narratives, allowing guests to engage with the land's history and the enduring spirit of its people. This innovative approach has earned Masseria Auraterrae the Iron A' Design Award 2025 in the Architecture, Building and Structure Design category, recognizing its excellence in combining best practices, technical competence, and a profound sense of place.
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