The Challenge: Restoring Order
The project in Alicante involved a derelict 1980s villa situated on a steep, rocky cliffside. The site was severely degraded, featuring crumbling old concrete retaining walls, chaotic weed growth, and a complete lack of connection between the house and the Mediterranean panorama. The primary goal of the renovation was to transform this chaos into a modern, clean space that requires minimal maintenance in the arid coastal climate.
The Transformation: From Chaos to Geometry
The landscape logic was completely reimagined, replacing decorative clutter with functional architectural elements. We focused on structural clarity and the use of local materials to seamlessly integrate the villa into the rugged coastline.
Key Features
- Structural Reinforcement: Dilapidated concrete partitions were replaced with massive terraces made of local limestone. This not only stabilized the slope but also created a sharp, architectural framework for the garden.
- The Seamless View: We dismantled old railings that obstructed the horizon, replacing them with hidden borders and glass screens. The terrace now visually merges with the sea, acting as a natural extension of the living space.
- Mediterranean Xeriscaping: To combat the intense sun and water scarcity, we replaced traditional lawns with gravel gardens. The foundation consists of resilient perennials: solitary olive trees, lavender, rosemary, and architectural agaves.
- Integrated Functional Zones: What was once a neglected wasteland is now a sunken lounge area with a minimalist fire pit and a summer dining zone, protected from the direct sun by a natural wood pergola.
