Marbella, Spain. 2016-17


Villa Marbella

The Project

Villa Marbella is a house on the crest of a hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, Gibraltar and Africa

Villa Marbella is a house on the crest of a hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, Gibraltar and Africa
The building is a series of interlinked pavilions that adjust to a steep hillside and sweeping panoramic views
Intricate spaces unfold according to view, orientation, time of day, weather and seasonal conditions

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.

 

Each pavilion is oriented towards a different focal point, with outdoor rooms to either side. The Living Room faces the Rock of Gibraltar, with the the tip of Africa behind
Gardens in between the radial fingers of the building provide a choice of landscape paths to enjoy the subtropical climate, complimenting internal circulation
A combination of cantilevers, terracing and sunken courtyards balance the steep hillside so its comfortable to walk in any direction
A variety of indoor and outdoor dining areas suit different family or social occasions, weather and seasonal conditions
A fragrant courtyard is carved into the terrain, emitting scent throughout the house and grounds
Lower level floor plan showing the combination of cantilevers, terracing and sunken courtyards
Upper level and roof plan showing the building’s interlinked pavilions surrounded by garden and landscape
Model 90cm (Scale 1:100)
Gallery connecting private and public wings
3 horizons dominate the view – the edge of Andalucia, the flat expanse of the Mediterranean Sea and the tip of Africa. The architecture oscillates from deep, to wide, to deep & wide panorama

 

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

Learn more

INTERNATIONAL DESIGN AWARDS, USA

Behind the scenes

Design development

Behind the scenes

VILLA MARBELLA CONCEPT

Behind the Scenes

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