The stunning Masseria Cristalli, located in Nardò, is rooted in a sixteenth-century architectural layout. Now converted into a private residence, the building has been carefully restored under the guidance of Apulian architect Elio Resta, who has enhanced its historical character while creating a refined and harmonious dialogue between past and present.

Originally conceived as a fortified masseria, the complex now unfolds around a central courtyard with a swimming pool, complemented by a contemporary extension defined by exposed vaults. These vaults are reinterpreted as generous pivoting doors, realized with the W75 TB system by Ottostumm | Mogs, allowing light to flow naturally through the spaces. The minimal steel profiles accentuate the sharp silhouettes of the pointed arches, amplifying the dramatic interplay of light and shadow that shapes the interiors.

The project favors the exclusive use of natural materials, from cocciopesto in the new masonry volumes to lime-based plasters, Lecce stone, natural porcelain stoneware, and steel window frames. A restrained, neutral colour palette allows the architecture to speak for itself, while carefully preserved details, such as the outdoor table crafted from stones recovered from a collapsed eighteenth-century staircase and the historic citrus grove, complete a project that balances memory and contemporary living with quiet elegance.