- Project: House in Monasterios
- Architect: Ramon Esteve Studio
- Location: Spain, Puzol, Valencia
- Year: 2013
- Area: 1440 m2
- Photography: Mayte Piera
A Mediterranean Haven Overlooking the Sea
The House in Monasterios by Ramón Esteve is a luxurious residence located in Puzol, Valencia. Positioned on an elevated plot with views that slope down to the Mediterranean Sea, the home is composed of powerful stone walls and expansive glass façades that create both privacy and openness. The design is rooted in Mediterranean heritage, reinterpreting classical concepts of patio architecture with contemporary precision.
Sequence of Patios
The house is structured as a series of interlinked volumes of varying heights, unified by long stone walls that define its abstract geometry. Central to the organization are three consecutive patios, which serve as spatial articulators. These patios embrace the entrance and divide the program into day and night zones, reviving the Roman tradition of organizing domestic life around atriums.
Horizontality and Structure
The horizontality of the design is emphasized by stone planes capped with white concrete slabs, enclosed by membranes of glass and wood. Floor-to-ceiling glazing opens interiors to natural light and panoramic views, while porches extend toward the pool, reflecting the house in the water and producing a theatrical interplay of surfaces and shadows.
Two vertical elements punctuate this horizontality: wooden chimneys that rise above the property, reinforcing the architectural rhythm and providing a striking counterpoint to the horizontal slabs.
Mediterranean Heritage Reinterpreted
The architectural language of House in Monasterios is deeply Mediterranean. Stone, wood, and glass are combined with restraint, creating a timeless aesthetic that resonates with the region’s traditions. Porches protect the main living spaces from the sun, while the swimming pool doubles as a reflective surface, visually expanding the exterior environment.
Lighting and Atmosphere
Careful exterior lighting enhances the textures of stone and wood, creating a dramatic nocturnal atmosphere. Reflections from the pool amplify the sense of space, while interior lighting highlights the natural materials, emphasizing warmth and intimacy.
Interior Experience
Inside, stone and wood combine to create a harmonious and serene environment. The patios ensure cross-ventilation, daylighting, and multiple spatial perceptions throughout the home. The fluid connection between day and night zones, along with seamless indoor-outdoor living, reflects Ramón Esteve’s philosophy of designing houses as both fortresses of privacy and open stages for Mediterranean life.
