House EF by MDBA Architects – Harmonious Rural Living in Valderrobres, SpainHouse EF by MDBA Architects – Harmonious Rural Living in Valderrobres, Spain

House EF by MDBA Architects – Harmonious Rural Living in Valderrobres, Spain

UNI Editorial
UNI Editorial published Story under Architecture, Housing on

House EF, designed by MDBA Architects, is a serene single-family residence nestled in the picturesque countryside of Valderrobres, in the province of Teruel, Spain. Surrounded by lush olive groves and sprawling vineyards, the home draws inspiration directly from its natural context, blending effortlessly with the rural landscape while celebrating simplicity, horizontality, and calmness in its architectural expression.

Article image
Article image
Article image

Concept and Spatial Organization

The design of House EF revolves around a central axis, which serves as both a conceptual and functional backbone. This axis guides circulation and creates uninterrupted visual connections throughout the home, offering framed views of the surrounding olive trees and vineyards. The residence is composed of three distinct volumes:

  • Private Wing (West): Housing the main bedrooms and personal spaces for privacy and comfort.
  • Guest Wing (East): Designed for visitors, providing independence while maintaining connectivity.
  • Central Shared Area: Includes the main entrance, living room, and kitchen, acting as the social heart of the house.

This careful spatial organization ensures flexible usage while maintaining intimacy, balance, and a clear relationship between private and communal areas.

Article image
Article image

Materials and Interior Atmosphere

House EF emphasizes the use of natural, locally sourced materials, including lime plaster, untreated wood, and stone, creating a tactile and authentic environment that anchors the home to its surroundings. Generously sized windows and strategically placed skylights invite natural light to permeate the interiors, strengthening the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Article image
Article image

The combination of a reinforced concrete structure and lightweight interior partitions allows for long-term adaptability, while passive design strategies—such as cross ventilation, solar orientation, and thermal inertia—promote energy efficiency and sustainable living.

Article image
Article image

Integrating Landscape and Scale

One of the central challenges of the project was maintaining intimacy and human scale within the expansive rural landscape. By designing a low-profile house, framed by native vegetation and open to the sky, MDBA Architects created a home that acts as a tranquil extension of its environment. House EF embodies a harmonious interplay between landscape, light, and rhythm, offering a serene refuge for its inhabitants while responding sensitively to its surroundings.

Article image
Article image
Article image

All photographs are works of Simone Marcolin

UNI Editorial

UNI Editorial

Where architecture meets innovation, through curated news, insights, and reviews from around the globe.

Share your ideas with the world

Share your ideas with the world

Write about your design process, research, or opinions. Your voice matters in the architecture community.

Comments (0)

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!

Similar Reads

You might also enjoy these articles

publishedStory6 days ago
The Ken Roberts Memorial Delineation Competition (Krob)
publishedStory1 month ago
Waterfront Redevelopment and Urban Revitalization in Mumbai: Forging a New Dawn for Darukhana
publishedStory1 month ago
OUT-OF-MAP: A Call for Postcards on Feminist Narratives of Public Space
publishedStory1 month ago
Documentation Work on Buddhist Wooden  Temple

Explore Architecture Competitions

Discover active competitions in this discipline

UNI Editorial
Search in