.jpg "Dream home for a holiday in the Spanish countryside")
This holiday home in Valencia is inspired by the colors of the surrounding landscape.
On the border with the Spanish village of Quesa, an hour and a half from Valencia, there is nothing more intense than smell of wild and aromatic plants, the chirping of cicadas in the sun and the rustling of olive leaves when a gust of wind makes them move from time to time. It is here that Casa de los Olivos, which is fully developed on the ground floor, merges with the environment. This is the last house with an open view of the protected olive groves, the surrounding lakes and the mountains of La Punta Arnes, where there are even cave paintings. The built-up area of Kes extends to the other side of the village. Also in this case, according to the geometric construction, only nature should rule. It is also the environment that literally sets the tone for Casa de los Olivos; AND Balzar Architectos For the colors and materials of this country house, they were inspired by the landscape.
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Nature view: The 20-meter glass facade separating the terrace and garden from the living room can be fully opened.
Casa de los Olivos in dialogue with nature
Emilio Rabal Artiaga and his wife Marta Llobet Balcels lived in Catalonia, not far from bustling Barcelona, until completing their terracotta house. The couple’s real estate business is also located there. The idea was that in the 215 square meter Casa de los Olivos, with a large terrace and swimming pool, a married couple would spend the summer months escaping the heat. But for some time now they have been spending more and more time near Kesa village. Emilio Rabal Artiaga, who loves plants, landscapes and mountainsspent his summer holidays here as a child. For this reason, both the owners and Balzar Arquitectos, the studio responsible for the construction and interior design, made sure that preserve flora and fauna. “We wanted to respect this place, so we tried to keep as many olive trees as possible in the design and place a house here. We also wanted the interiors to be directly connected to the landscape. We wanted to create a dialogue between nature and new construction,” explains Balzar Arquitectos co-founder Laura Moreno Albuixec.
Here the water plays with the light: the pool almost reaches the living room
The house was built on steel structure, in line with the “balloon” construction method popular in the United States. The galvanized steel profile forms the load-bearing structure of the terracotta house and supports both facades and partitions. For the floor (outside and inside), the Valencian architects chose Iranian travertinewhich combines the most beautiful red color with brown. The travertine tiles blend naturally with the pool that is covered at the end. Now take a look! Here Balzar Arquitectos has integrated a theatrical vault with round arches to let in the light reflected in the water.
A round peephole at the end of the pool lets in the sun’s rays and makes the terrace even brighter.
The pool is framed by olive trees, behind which the terracotta building merges into the earthy landscape as a whole.
Linear Geometry Matches Mid-Century Decor
From the semi-circular end of the pool, framed by green olive trees in a perfect eight-by-eight-meter grid, a glass façade leads into a minimalist living room, allowing for a shadow-free look into the distance. Here, the Iranian travertine floor continues its close relationship with the environment. OUR mid-century furniture a la Charles and Ray Eames or Le Corbusier they elevate a modern and tranquil atmosphere with their exquisite design. After all, interior designers and architects of Balzar Arquitectos literally cite the style of the 40s-60s. It is remarkable that the furniture and architects of that period are more relevant today than ever.” The Valencian company Valoffice helped us acquire great classic design furnish this geometric building,” says Laura Moreno Albuquez. Otherwise, the multidisciplinary custom studio makes most of the furniture for all projects, including polished brass kitchen in an open space that organically connects the living room, dining room and kitchen.
Geometry and mid-century furniture played a vital role in home decor.
Terracotta, brass and olive green are a palette inspired by the Spanish countryside.
The terracotta color of the environment around the house inspired the use of lime mortar and Iranian red travertine. The gold of the sun, reflected in the water of the pool at sunset, acts as the second chromatic component in the brass kitchen. Both the kitchen island and some of the custom cabinetry were supposed to be yellow, but during the interior design phase it was decided to opt for a more elegant shade that didn’t require any additional accessories. Warm organic curves are combined with minimalist details.
The tabletop and the island with a stove are made of brass. Solid geometry and edges are replaced with smooth curves.
Brass in the kitchen is in harmony with soft olive green wooden built-in cabinets.
The last chromatic component that characterizes interior design is light olive green. Balzar Arquitectos took this color from leaves of ancient olive trees and used it for built-in wardrobes in the kitchen and bedroom. The landscape and nature thus deeply inspire the Casa de los Olivos of Marta Llobet Balcells and Emilio Rabal Artiaga. The sleeping area is located in a bright room next to the living room and kitchen and offers an open view of the trees, water and mountains. Windows can be fully opened.
The original design of the geometric building actually called for two bedrooms arranged symmetrically, with a dressing room, a bathroom and a private patio. But, without further ado, the enterprising couple decided to do away with the second bedroom, which was mainly intended for guests. On the contrary, the couple enjoys their small private spa and prefers to invite friends and acquaintances to a nearby hotel.
The master bedroom, decorated with artwork by Rafa Garcia and sculptures by Canoa Lab, has direct access to the terrace and pool.
Even in the sleeping area, the travertine floor echoes the earthy red color scheme of the home.
A couple returning to their childhood home
V bathroom with rain shower, the element of water, which already solemnly enters the outdoor pool, regains its climax and is emphasized by Iranian travertine marble, from the floor to the washbasins. “Because clients love the liquid element, it is present in Casa de los Olivos,” explains architect Laura Moreno Albuixec. Both swimming pools are heated by solar collectorsso they can be used all year round.
And this is definitely a plus. Because even if the geometric building was originally conceived as a quiet summer residence, it is perfectly natural for Emilio Rabal Artiaga and his wife Martha Llobet Balcells to live here on their own for long periods and at any time of the year. Moreover, the ground level was chosen wisely, even in advance. Emilio Rabal Artiaga, in particular, has his own personal story about the village of Kesa. As a child, he spent the summer months here, getting to know the people and their habits and appreciating the surrounding nature. With Casa de los Olivos, he and his wife fulfilled their dream of returning to their childhood home after 50 years. Maybe forever.
In the bathroom, the marble floor, sinks and brass faucets make a strong impression.
On the same line: all built-in wardrobes and cladding in the bathrooms, bedroom, kitchen and living room are painted with lime-based olive green paint, which is combined with red stone.
The original article was published on AD Germanyadapted by Paola Corazza.