Our studio was tasked with designing a family home that is seamlessly integrated into the surrounding landscape, offering privacy and a tranquil escape from the city. The homeowners desired a home open to the outdoors, where they could enjoy the peaceful residential setting, the surrounding garden, and the beautiful landscape of Sitges, all while maintaining modern design principles and complying with local regulations.
A modern family home | Bellaterra
In response with the environment we designed a home built with natural and sustainable materials, including stone and wood, creating a harmonious balance between modern architecture and the traditional values of the area. The visible concrete structure of the house serves as a key architectural feature, blending modern comfort with a timeless aesthetic. The house was designed to meet the challenges of creating a modern yet comfortable home that respects the environmental context.
The design proposed a single-level home, but with the decision to place most of the living areas approximately 1.2 meters below ground level, which required excavating part of the garden. This design choice not only maximized the house’s connection to its outdoor environment but also created a private and peaceful retreat. The north-facing access point includes a lobby and garage, while the rest of the home flows seamlessly into the landscape, offering stunning views of the garden and beyond.
The home’s structure is based on a simple concrete structure, which serves as the base for the main materials: stone for the façade, wood in the enclosures and details, and glass elements, that add a sense of warmth and openness, making the space feel modern and inviting while preserving a sense of intimacy.
Although traditional architecture in the area is closed to the outside, this house was designed to open up to the landscape, with large windows and minimal walls. The design ensures privacy on the north side, facing the street and neighbors, while the south side is fully opened to the garden. The home’s focus is on privacy and views, creating an indoor-outdoor connection while maintaining seclusion.
Upon entry, the house welcomes visitors with an array of architectural volumes that filter natural light and create a sense of openness. The living room is centered around a cozy corner fireplace, and the open kitchen island and dining table help to define and separate the functional spaces while maintaining a fluid, open-plan layout that encourages family togetherness.
The kitchen, seamlessly integrated into the living and dining areas, uses custom cabinetry and finishes that tie the space together with the home’s natural materials. The neutral tones used for the walls, ceilings, and flooring (a continuous neutral pavement) create harmony and a timeless atmosphere throughout the house.
The master bedroom, located at the far end of the house, is designed as a private sanctuary, featuring a spacious dressing room and an en-suite bathroom. The two additional guest bedrooms are identical, all oriented toward the southwest to capture the best natural light and views of the surrounding landscape.
The design of the fireplace area was particularly important in maintaining the connection between the interior and the exterior. This space was extended outward, creating a visual flow between the house and its garden. Large windows and sliding doors allow the living areas to merge with the outdoor spaces, enhancing the feeling of openness and offering a true indoor-outdoor living experience.
