La Cuadra Extension by Un Estudio Propio: A Rural Retreat Blending Sustainability, Tradition, and Contemporary Design

Located in Los Nietos Viejos, Spain, the La Cuadra Extension by Un Estudio Propio is a masterful transformation of a former animal stable into a multifunctional, modern rural residence. Designed by Ana Belén López Plazas, the 1,184 ft² extension balances industrialized craftsmanship with the vernacular traditions of the region, integrating sustainable design strategies, local materials, and passive environmental systems to create a warm, inviting space that honors both history and contemporary rural living.

Anchored by the original white lime-washed masonry wall, a striking green metallic volume has been added to double the usable space. This extension houses a versatile interior layout, concentrating essential services such as the kitchen, bathroom, laundry, and storage in the rear, while an elevated mezzanine provides areas for rest and work. The open-plan interior is thoughtfully structured to encourage flexibility and fluidity, with visible green-hued steel beams branching like tree limbs—invoking a sense of natural calm and emotional well-being.

The design strengthens the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a Mediterranean-inspired flow. A light pergola-covered porch acts as a transition zone between the original house and garden, supporting climbing plants that will evolve into a living canopy over time. Large windows and the building’s strategic positioning on a narrow central plot enhance natural light, cross-ventilation, and visual access to the lush surroundings.

Internally, the pine wood flooring—constructed from large-format panels—grounds the space in warmth and tactility, while the exposed structural system celebrates a raw, yet refined aesthetic. The juxtaposition between the lightweight green metal exterior and the rustic garden setting forms a dialogue between old and new, symbolizing a cultural commitment to sustainability and place-based design.

One of the most innovative aspects of the project lies in its passive environmental response: black basins capture condensation from the roof’s cool night air—a nod to ancestral wisdom—channeling water to support the garden during the day. These eco-sensitive features embody a circular resource strategy, reinforcing the home’s role as a living, breathing system that contributes to its ecosystem rather than consuming it.

More than just an architectural extension, La Cuadra aspires to be a cultural catalyst—a space that nurtures family, welcomes community, and redefines rural architecture for the 21st century.

All Photographs are works of Alex Lafuente