The Project
Villa Marbella is a house on the crest of a hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, Gibraltar and Africa
Overlooking the Costa del Sol and Mediterranean Sea, Villa Marbella is a small village on the crest of a hill.
The building is a series of interlinked pavilions that adjust to a steep hillside and sweeping panoramic views – providing an intricate sequence of spaces that unfold according to view, orientation, time of day, weather and seasonal conditions.
Each of these interlinked pavilions are oriented towards a natural focal point – the tip of northern Africa; the rock of Gibraltar; the Mountain peak of La Concha; and Puerto Banus harbour. Gardens in between the radial fingers of the building are used interchangeably as outdoor rooms and provide a choice of landscape paths to enjoy the subtropical climate and complement internal routes.
The villa forms part of a prominent hilltop and is experienced in dramatically different contexts. From the coast and valley below, it is seen in relation to the sky and mountain backdrop. On closer approach, the building appears set within an adjacent National Park. Upon arrival and within the gardens or the surrounding landscape, it connects with a breathtaking backdrop overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
The design encapsulates the feeling of Mountain-becoming-Sea. It transitions from an earthy, mountain cabin, to crafted oceanic vessel – emerging from the hill to culminate as a series of cantilevered roofs and terraces.
Project Team
Undercurrent Architects : Didier Ryan, Tao Gatto, Yoko Chang
Archidom : Chema Sobrado, José Ignacio Porres Ureña
Eckersley O’Callaghan Engineers : Duncan Walters, Toby Ronalds
Erik Dhont Landscape architect
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