Villa Amonita Lanzarote: A Contemporary White-and-Green Oasis Rooted in Island Tradition

Villa Amonita Lanzarote, renovated by OOOX and led by architect Radka Valová, transforms a 2000s home in Tiagua, Spain, into a refined modern retreat. The project celebrates Lanzarote’s strict architectural identity—defined by white façades, green accents, minimal building heights, and an uninterrupted volcanic landscape—while reimagining the villa for contemporary living and hospitality.

Located in the heart of the Canary Islands, the villa spans 300 m² and reflects the island’s unique design culture shaped by César Manrique’s legacy: whitewashed architecture resting lightly on black volcanic terrain, surrounded by native palm trees and rugged stone. This landscape palette—white, black, green—became the foundation for the interior design concept.

Respecting Lanzarote’s Architectural DNA

Lanzarote enforces rigorous regulations on building height, density, and color, preserving a unified visual language across the island. The architects embraced this framework, integrating it as a guiding principle rather than a constraint. The renovation maintains the iconic white exterior, incorporates select green elements, and uses local lava stone to strengthen the villa’s connection to its natural setting.

Reconfiguring Space for Modern Living

The original villa was designed for a couple and featured overly large, underutilized rooms. The renovation focuses on optimizing spatial efficiency and increasing accommodations for guests and family:

• Additional bedrooms were introduced through a strategic layout redesign
• The living room, kitchen, and dining area were merged into one cohesive social space
• Large-format glazing was added in bathrooms to bring natural light and garden views
• Upstairs, a peaceful yoga studio and rooftop sun deck with an outdoor shower offer areas for relaxation and retreat

These interventions respect the original architectural framework while providing newfound flexibility and comfort.

Indoor–Outdoor Continuity

A core goal of the renovation was enhancing the home’s relationship with the outdoors. The design opens the interior to the terrace, where a long concrete dining table, built-in seating, and a pergola sit against a stunning lava-stone wall. This outdoor living zone also includes a functional barbecue kitchen ideal for gathering and entertaining.

The terrace flows seamlessly into the garden and swimming pool, creating a resort-like atmosphere while maintaining the minimalism characteristic of Lanzarote.

Material Transformation Rooted in Place

OOOX redefined the villa’s material palette with climate-appropriate, durable, and locally sourced finishes:

• Original wooden floors—unsuitable for Lanzarote’s humid island environment—were removed
• Replaced surfaces include white concrete flooring and white-painted walls
• Bathrooms feature green wall tiles, reinforcing the island’s chromatic identity
• Local lava stone is used throughout: as counters, accents, partitions, and sculptural elements

New concrete-block partitions on both terraces serve dual functions: sheltering against strong winds and offering privacy to bathroom spaces.

A Self-Sustaining Home With Minimal Energy Use

Lanzarote’s temperate year-round climate enables the villa to operate with minimal energy consumption:

• Natural ventilation eliminates the need for mechanical cooling for most of the year
• Air-conditioning is used only during rare extreme heat events
• Solar panels on the roof provide hot water
• A fireplace offers occasional heating in winter

All construction materials were purchased locally, and local contractors executed the renovation—contributing to a culturally grounded building process. Select vintage furniture and curated accessories were imported from the Czech Republic to complement the largely locally sourced furnishings.

A Refined Island Retreat

Villa Amonita Lanzarote is a harmonious blend of modern minimalism, local craftsmanship, and contextual architecture. Its renovation honors Lanzarote’s strict design codes while creating a serene contemporary escape defined by simplicity, material honesty, and a deep respect for the island’s volcanic landscape.

All photographs are works of Romana Ella Plaček