Fusion of the Mediterranean culture with the natural environment

Architects: Metroarea
Location: Ibiza, Spain
Year: 2016
Photo courtesy: Fernando Alda
Description:

“The main concept of the building is the fusion of the Mediterranean culture with the natural environment.

Inspired by the roman villa and by Spanish and Arab heritage, the house takes form through the natural lexicon of Italian expressionism (Moretti, Michelucci etc.), which also maintains a strong memory of Rudolf Steiner. For us, infact, designing a contemporary building in 2016 means establishing a dedicated dialogue with history and with nature.

So for example the continuous inside outside relationship obtained by the big glass windows, is filtered by hanging gardens, canopies and custom made bamboo shutters, that are a reminiscence of the traditional awnings and latticework Moucharabieh.

The typical central patio is the fulcrum of a complex network of multi level paths and, at the same time, as the impluvium was used to gather water, it is enriched by a waterfall and creek that connects the two swimming pools.

The Villa shape, follows the natural slope of the ground and it is lying perfectly on the hill, in a shape the reminds of an amphitheater, surrounded by nature.

The use of simple materials like irregular board formed concrete and drywalls, underlines the desire to avoid a popular image of luxury, while instead pursuing a connection with the island, the ground and its tradition. The result is thus informal and hospitable, according to the lessons of Busiri Vici, Couelle and Vietti.

The plan is composed by three different levels, that are organically connected by curved paths and stairs, but physically divided in specific functions.”