The owners’ brief was to maximise the home’s connection to nature
Cover The owners’ brief was to maximise the home’s connection to nature

Inspired by the contrasting elements of concrete and black iron on its facade, this minimalist house in Spain features a beautifully layered monochromatic interior

In the charming coastal city of Alicante in Costa Blanca, Spain stands a modern house that embodies an utterly enviable sense of tranquillity. The newly built home of a young couple, this 1,130 sq ft abode enjoys close proximity to the sea and is surrounded by traditionally constructed buildings in a quiet residential area in the city.

The well-travelled owners wanted a house that would serve as a relaxing getaway whenever they are back in Spain. And as long-time clients of Azul Tierra, an Alicante-based studio and boutique founded in 1994 by Toni Espuch, it was clear to the couple whom they would entrust the design of their home to.

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The property is surrounded by verdant foliage
Above The property is surrounded by verdant foliage

“Their key words were: elegance, luminosity, warmth and exuberant greenery, and they left all the creative decisions to us,” says Espuch. The entrepreneur first established Azul Tierra in his hometown of Alicante before opening another office in Barcelona.

He currently leads a team of 20, comprising decorators, interior designers and architects, who work hand-in-hand to create beautifully tactile homes, including this monochromatic wonder. “Azul Tierra’s projects, while diverse, always have a common denominator: to enhance the natural light of each space, the creation of warm and cosy ambiences, the presence of antiques and unique objects, and custom-made furniture,” states Espuch. 

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A group of Tom Dixon Globe pendant lamps makes a striking sight by the staircase
Above A group of Tom Dixon Globe pendant lamps makes a striking sight by the staircase
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he selection of furnishings reflects the firm’s knackfor combining pieces in natural materials with modern details
Above The selection of furnishings reflects the firm’s knackfor combining pieces in natural materials with modern details

Featuring a concrete-and-iron facade, large windows, a swimming pool and a spacious outdoor area, the airy three-storey dwelling receives plenty of natural illumination, with a central metal staircase as its nexus that connects to all areas of the home.

The firm’s task was to improve the interior architecture, dress the abode with a careful curation of furnishings, and ensure that the home is at one with nature, indoors and out. “The house has a lot of natural light due to its good orientation, high ceilings and huge windows. The concrete gives the house solidity, the high ceilings provide spaciousness. Some walls are lined in iron, creating contrasts that give the project its identity and personality,” says Espuch.

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Patterned accent cushions bring a cosy touch to the living area
Above Patterned accent cushions bring a cosy touch to the living area

The open-plan ground floor is the perfect embodiment of these qualities, with full-length windows that look out to the pool and garden. An iron chimney echoes the use of the material of the striking metal staircase, which is the focal point of the first storey, while also visually demarcating the kitchen from the spacious living area.

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Off-white curtains provide privacy and add a tactile layer to the space
Above Off-white curtains provide privacy and add a tactile layer to the space

Espuch professes an admiration for antiques, natural materials and patinas, as well as artisanal pieces, which are all on show in this project.

An understated monochromatic palette amplifies the calming mood inside and out, with a studied mix of furnishings in light wood, dark leather, jet black and shades of grey echoing the linear form and hue of the black iron applied to the interior and exterior architecture of the house. Various artefacts and vintage objects give the home its soul, while softer elements such as linen curtains contribute to a lofty ambience throughout the abode.

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Custom furnishings and vintage pieces in dark wood and matte-black finishes feature throughout the interior to complement the ironwork and minimalist scheme of the abode
Above Custom furnishings and vintage pieces in dark wood and matte-black finishes feature throughout the interior to complement the ironwork and minimalist scheme of the abode

The basement floor is as inviting as the other areas of the abode, with natural light entering into the airy space via a pair of spacious courtyards. It features a secondary living area that functions as the owner’s entertainment room and is equipped with a bar, gym and office.

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The angular elements in the open-plan master suite are softened by the round forms of the bedside tables and the cosy fur throw on the bed
Above The angular elements in the open-plan master suite are softened by the round forms of the bedside tables and the cosy fur throw on the bed
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The patinated finish of the four-poster bed and bronze mirrors adds character to the interior
Above The patinated finish of the four-poster bed and bronze mirrors adds character to the interior

For privacy, the bedrooms are all located on the second storey—these include the garden-facing master suite, which features a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite bathroom to offer the couple a private retreat. Ambient lighting adds a gentle glow to the abode to create a soothing mood come nightfall. “The lighting is indirect, with the intention of creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere in the main rooms and the bedrooms,” adds Espuch.

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The built-in stone bathtub makes the bathing ritual an indulgent experience
Above The built-in stone bathtub makes the bathing ritual an indulgent experience
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This bathroom is an understated concrete box designed to create a tranquil mood
Above This bathroom is an understated concrete box designed to create a tranquil mood
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The water feature adds to the tranquil mood outdoors
Above The water feature adds to the tranquil mood outdoors
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The outdoor pool deck leads the eye towards the flourishing verdant views
Above The outdoor pool deck leads the eye towards the flourishing verdant views

The owners lack for little when they’re tucked away in this soothing sanctuary, which whisks their worries away effortlessly. “A great friend of mine defines me as a painter with objects,” Espuch shares. “Peace, love, harmony, simplicity and passion are the feelings that take over me when I’m in my spaces.” Indeed, this house conveys all of the above qualities, creating a bright and light-filled space that promotes feelings of cosiness, warmth and utter serenity.

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