The aeolian rural house: an agricultural machine for living

The Aeolian Islands, a volcanic archipelago north of Sicily, boast a unique architectural and cultural identity shaped by Mediterranean exchanges and historical dominations. Their rural houses exemplify bioclimatic principles, optimized for agriculture rather than fishing. Built on steep terrain with scarce freshwater, these homes feature thick masonry walls for insulation, flat roofs for rainwater collection, and external living areas like the bagghiu, shaded by pergolas (pulera). These structures supported grapevines for Malvasia wine production while regulating temperatures. Unlike other Mediterranean islands, Aeolian life traditionally centred on farming, with architectural adaptations that managed water scarcity and preserved harvests. Even today, residents use these spaces for drying tomatoes, processing capers, and preparing local produce. This study examines the spatial and architectural strategies of Aeolian houses, highlighting their ongoing role in sustaining traditional practices amid growing tourism, maintaining a vital link between architecture, agriculture, and food production.