Architects craft a harmonious copper-toned abode amidst Valencian olive groves

In a serene embrace with the picturesque Valencian landscape, Balzar Arquitectos, a prominent Spanish architectural studio, introduces an exquisite creation – La Casa de los Olivos.

This resplendent dwelling, nestled within an olive grove in Valencia, harmonizes architectural innovation with the rustic charm of its surroundings.

GALLERY  

La Casa de los Olivos stands as a testament to the studio’s commitment to seamless integration with the environment. Employing a sophisticated design philosophy, the residence seamlessly melds into the tapestry of Quesa, the quaint town it calls home. Its elongated and low-lying structure is not only visually captivating but also strategically aligned with the surrounding flora and topography. The crowning touch of a red-hued lime mortar exterior pays homage to the earthy tones of the Valencian soil, creating an organically rich connection with the land.

“The landscape was already wonderful as it was, so when it came to the intervention, we wanted to respect this place, trying to keep as many olive trees as possible,” said studio co-founder Laura Moreno Albuixech.

An ethos of preservation prevails throughout the design narrative, as Balzar Arquitectos undertook the delicate task of safeguarding the existing olive grove. The residence deftly navigates through a symmetrical grid of trees, with each corner of the eight-by-eight-metre grid serving as a pocket of tranquillity for the abode. This meticulous planning underscores the studio’s dedication to maintaining the natural ecosystem.

“The olive trees are arranged in a perfect grid of eight by eight metres and this was a key factor in the geometry of the house,” said Moreno Albuixech. “Both the house and the swimming pool take advantage of the free spaces left in the grid of olive trees and insert themselves between them.”

The very heart of the dwelling beats with an ingenious use of materials. Crafted around a steel frame, the copper-toned home gracefully occupies its designated spots within the grid, creating an interplay of architecture and nature. The linear disposition of the house on a single floor lends a sense of continuity, with each room thoughtfully positioned to maximize views of the olive groves.

Beyond its façade, La Casa de los Olivos invites occupants into a sanctuary where modernity coalesces with comfort. The interior spaces are a testament to meticulous attention to detail, showcasing an artful juxtaposition of sleek aesthetics and warm textures. This tactile harmony of materials underscores the occupants’ connection to both the contemporary design and the rustic setting.

“The muted green colour of the leaves of the olive trees was used for the woodwork and the gold of the sun at sunset was reinterpreted in the kitchen with natural brass,” said Moreno Albuixech.

Throughout the home, red walls and accents mimic the soil-informed colour of the exterior, including terracotta-toned floors and Iranian travertine marble surfaces that feature in the bathrooms and interior pool.

“The choice of materials and colours was clear from the beginning,” said Moreno Albuixech. “Both the clients and we were looking for colours that respected the chromatic range that the plot already had when we visited it for the first time.”

As the sun rises and sets over the Valencian olive grove, La Casa de los Olivos stands as a testament to the harmonious interplay between architecture and the natural world. Balzar Arquitectos’ visionary approach not only crafts an extraordinary living space but also redefines the way a dwelling engages with its environment. In this copper-toned haven, design and nature coexist in perfect harmony, reminding us of the infinite beauty found in the convergence of human ingenuity and the natural world.

Images by David Zarzoso via Dezeen

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