Marina Hernández and Rafael Calero, the architectural duo behind Che.studio, have successfully transformed Marina's grandparents' old countryside house into a stunning modern retreat while preserving its rustic charm. Located in the heart of Extremadura's Dehesa region in Cáceres, Spain, the 700-square-foot home now serves as a peaceful sanctuary that seamlessly blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design.

The renovation project presented unique challenges as the couple sought to honor their family heritage while creating a livable modern space. "When we started this project, we were aware that we had a responsibility to this place and our history," the architectural duo explained. "Marina's grandparents laid the foundation for this place with their own hands, and it's connected to countless memories for the whole family, which we treat with great respect."

Preserving the original character of the property while maintaining the integrity of the surrounding landscape became their primary focus. The most difficult aspect was incorporating the existing natural elements – including the holm oaks, soil composition, and granite terrain – alongside the existing structural components that held deep emotional value for the family.

The architects made a conscious decision to work exclusively with local materials and traditional craftsmanship techniques. "We used almost exclusively materials from the region," they reported. Stone was sourced directly from the property itself, while interior walls were whitewashed using lime in a traditional technique specific to the area. The floors feature polished cement, and chestnut and pine wood were obtained from a nearby sawmill.

Metal constructions throughout the home were painted in a green tone inspired by the dry leaves of holm oaks, creating a direct visual connection to the surrounding landscape. This attention to environmental harmony extends throughout the design, ensuring that the structure feels integrated rather than imposed upon its natural setting.

Recycled elements played a significant role in the renovation, particularly the windows and doors. "Here you'll find old, reused pieces that have great emotional value," Hernández explained. "The doors and windows, for example, come from houses in the village. My grandmother and later my mother kept them over time, many of them were gifts from neighbors. Each piece has its own story, and we like to think that these elements have already lived several lives, that they were already part of other houses and other eras."

The couple integrated several custom-designed elements into the interior, including covers for electrical outlets and light switches, as well as leather handles for the living room's glass front. However, implementing their vision required finding specialized craftsmen who could work with traditional building techniques – a challenge in today's construction industry.

"Nowadays, it's very rare to find professionals who master these techniques and are willing to apply them with the required care," the studio noted. "Fortunately, during the project we met two exceptional people: the construction engineer Luismi and the carpenter Rubén, with whom we completed the house. There was mutual understanding from the first moment, and it was a very enriching process for everyone."

The 700-square-foot living space includes a 320-square-foot terrace, creating an indoor-outdoor living experience that was central to the design concept. The home features exposed wooden beam ceilings that add to its rustic character, while large glass fronts allow natural light to flood the interior spaces throughout the day.

The kitchen showcases the perfect blend of old and new, with traditional stone walls complemented by wooden cabinetry and modern fixtures. Natural light filtering through the wooden ceiling structure creates what the architects describe as "a feeling of warmth and comfort" throughout the space.

Custom metalwork, including exterior stairs and railings made from steel rods, was designed to be "visually light, unobtrusive, and as delicate as possible," connecting the terrace to the surrounding property without overwhelming the natural landscape.

The interior layout adapts to the terrain's natural structure through different levels, creating distinct spaces within the compact footprint. A marble sink in the bathroom exemplifies the attention to detail, alongside handcrafted electrical fixtures made from acrylic glass and wood by the architect couple themselves.

The project's success is evident in visitors' reactions. "You feel at home" is the comment the couple most frequently hears about their small countryside house. This response confirms that they achieved their renovation goal of creating "a cozy, simple, and authentic place."

The home now serves as both a creative retreat and a gathering place for family and friends. "This retreat is not just a space, but a place where we seek peace and creativity," the architects explained. "It's a refuge that gives us the opportunity to disconnect from everyday hustle and focus on the essentials."

The transformation demonstrates how thoughtful renovation can breathe new life into historic properties while respecting their original character. By combining traditional materials, sustainable practices through reuse of existing elements, and careful attention to the natural environment, the young architects have created a model for sensitive heritage preservation that meets contemporary living needs.