Crafting the masterplan for
a new home in Tuscany

This project began with a clean slate – a large and almost empty plot of land in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, with a requirement to develop a masterplan for a new estate of two houses, a pool, outbuildings and landscaped gardens.

Masterplanning requires detailed exploration of a site - its heritage, the local vernacular, topography, views, light and shade, climate, and much more. It’s about designing buildings that feel grounded in a particular location, that will settle, quietly referencing and respecting their surroundings as they do so.

Central to this plan was the positioning and orientation of the two buildings – one primary residence and a smaller guest house. Set inland, and on high ground, with panoramic views to the Mediterranean and distant villages, the design optimised opportunities to frame the varied aspects from common areas, terraces and bedrooms.

Familiar Tuscan building forms and materials, shallow terracotta roofs, towers and shaded courtyards informed the contemporary design of the properties, further integrating these new buildings into their setting.

Thoughtful landscape design was crucial in completing the estate’s sense of belonging. With very little there, an avenue of umbrella pines now forms a shaded path between the two houses. Olive trees and lavender are in abundance, softening the approach and the experience of spending time at this comfortable and relaxing escape for family and friends.

This was a collaborative project, with our masterplan shaping the vision and ambition for the estate. Working closely with interior and landscape designers, and a local architectural practice, we developed a scheme that felt grounded in place and that would both settle and evolve over time.