Single-Family House in Carabuxeira by Carbajo Barrios Arquitectos

The Single-Family House in Carabuxeira, designed by Carbajo Barrios Arquitectos, is a contemporary residence located in Sanxenxo, Spain, overlooking the stunning Ría de Pontevedra. Completed in 2020, this 170 m² coastal home responds to its unique natural surroundings, offering both intimacy and openness through thoughtful architectural design.

Carabuxeira itself is a historic enclave, named after a small beach at the foot of the Alto de Chan de Gorita—an ancient megalithic complex dating back more than 4,000 years. This rich cultural and landscape context shapes the design approach, where the house becomes more than a dwelling: it is conceived as a refuge between sea and mountain, an Atlantic retreat harmonizing with nature.

Design Concept: A Refuge in Nature

The architects envisioned a compact yet open residence, designed as a living container that integrates seamlessly with the topography. The home is elevated to maximize views, establishing a strong dialogue with its immediate garden while also opening toward the distant horizon of the Galician coastline.

The central living core—organized around spaces for living, cooking, and walking—serves as the heart of the home. Surrounding this core, complementary spaces such as bathrooms and circulation areas are carefully scaled, ensuring efficiency and comfort without unnecessary excess.

Materials and Integration

Material selection reinforces the home’s deep connection to its environment. The architects drew inspiration from traditional Galician landscapes and rural elements:

• Grey granite, referencing stone walls and vineyard supports.
• Exposed concrete, grounding the architecture with strength and permanence.
• Cedar wood, providing warmth and resonance with the natural surroundings.

These materials create diffuse boundaries, softening the transition between the home and the surrounding landscape. The result is a minimalist yet expressive architectural form, where modern design principles merge with regional identity.

A House Between Sea and Mountain

The Single-Family House in Carabuxeira is more than a modern residence—it is a shelter attuned to its place, celebrating the dramatic meeting of land and sea. By balancing openness and privacy, modesty and expression, Carbajo Barrios Arquitectos created a timeless home that blends architectural clarity with landscape sensitivity.

All Photographs are works of  Luis Díaz Díaz