The house is designed to sit atop a large structure, creating the illusion of levitation, allowing for a garden on the narrow and uneven plot.
The architects faced a tight budget and a challenging structure that pushed their creativity. “To minimize foundation costs, we positioned the house supports where the bedrock was most elevated,” explains BeAr. The exterior is simple, with affordable finishes. “We aimed for an ‘honest’ house that does not disguise its true nature. The wooden elements were crucial, and we carefully selected materials. For instance, we chose rough sawn wood for the porches instead of laminated wood,” says Berasategui.
The concrete bases of the structure were strategically placed at the highest points of the bedrock, which helped reduce foundation costs.
The interior evokes a log cabin feel, emphasizing wood and minimalism. Despite its simplicity, every detail was thoughtfully designed.
Exploring the house reveals no sense of compromise. “The real luxury lies in the space. With ceiling heights nearing 16 feet and abundant natural light from the west and above, it’s a rarity in the city,” he adds.
The elongated layout offers a fluid connection among spaces, with the exception of the bedroom and part of the bathroom. The owner, who enjoys hosting, requested a spacious kitchen with a large sink, crafted from quarried stone. “He prefers washing dishes by hand as it feels relaxing,” Berasategui explains. The kitchen, located on the west side, features modules made from moisture-resistant MDF, which is both affordable and durable.
The kitchen units, designed in modules and interspersed with windows, are finished with olive green water-repellent MDF, ensuring resistance to moisture.
To conceal the kitchen island’s extraction fan, BeAr designed a ladder-shaped shelf that also serves as a spice rack.
“The kitchen island features a playful kidney-bean shape. To accommodate the extractor underneath, we crafted a red stepladder that not only hides it but can also function as a spice rack,” he notes.
 | Architectural Digest Source: https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/this-home-in-spain-is-a-contemporary-mountain-cabin-hybrid Architectural Digest is the international design authority, featuring the work of top architects and designers. |
