- Project: Oslo House
- Architect: Ramon Esteve Studio
- Location: Spain, Alicante
- Year: 2017
- Area: 449 m2
- Photography: Mariela Apollonio
A Contemporary Statement on a Mountainside
The Oslo House by Ramón Esteve Estudio is a minimalist contemporary residence located on a steep mountainside in Alicante, Spain. Surrounded by pine trees and Mediterranean vegetation, the home stands as a striking composition of concrete and stone, harmonizing with its natural setting while framing panoramic views of the sea.
Composition of Overlapping Volumes
The dwelling is defined by two overlapping rectangular bodies, offset to create depth, shadow, and rhythm. This gesture not only sculpts the house’s silhouette but also maximizes natural light through strategic openings in the slabs. Anchored into a stone base that adapts to the mountainside slope, the structure sits gently on the terrain while asserting a powerful presence.
A Dual-Faced Character
Facing outward, the house opens dramatically as a viewpoint to the sea, with expansive glazing that frames the horizon. By contrast, the rear façade provides privacy and protection, concealing the entrance and emphasizing solidity. This duality reinforces the balance between openness and intimacy.
Materiality and Atmosphere
Concrete dominates the exterior, expressing strength and permanence, while the warmth of wood finishes softens interiors and introduces a natural counterpoint. The interplay of materials enhances the sense of contrast—cold and warm, heavy and light—that defines the design.
Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living
The ground floor extends outward to a terrace and swimming pool that merge with the surrounding landscape and sea views. This fluid transition underscores the Mediterranean lifestyle, where outdoor living is an essential part of the home.
A Minimalist Architectural Experience
Every design decision in Oslo House reflects Ramón Esteve Estudio’s pursuit of simplicity, elegance, and harmony with the environment. The house is not only a family residence but also a meditation on geometry, materiality, and landscape, where light and shadow animate its volumes throughout the day.
