A striking single-family residence has emerged in the rural countryside of Valderrobres, located in Spain's Teruel province, showcasing how modern architecture can seamlessly integrate with its natural surroundings. House EF, designed by MDBA architects and completed in 2025, spans 254 square meters and represents a thoughtful response to the region's distinctive landscape of olive groves and vineyards.
The architectural concept draws profound inspiration from the immediate environment, particularly the olive trees and vineyards that characterize this rural Spanish setting. Project lead Iosune Martin, working alongside architect-in-charge Maria Diaz and design team member Agata Komecka, developed an approach that prioritizes natural integration with the land. The design philosophy emphasizes horizontality and tranquility, creating an architectural language that speaks to the calm, expansive nature of the countryside.
The selection of materials reflects this commitment to environmental harmony, with stone serving as a primary element that echoes the region's traditional building practices while supporting contemporary design principles. The house aims to naturally integrate with the terrain, avoiding any sense of imposition on the landscape. Instead, the structure appears to emerge organically from its setting, respecting the existing topography and vegetation patterns.
Photographer Simone Marcolin captured the residence's relationship with its surroundings, documenting how the horizontal massing and material choices create a sense of belonging within the rural context. The architectural language speaks to both modern living requirements and regional identity, balancing contemporary functionality with respect for local traditions and environmental conditions.
The project demonstrates MDBA architects' commitment to contextual design, showing how new residential architecture can enhance rather than compete with natural landscapes. By highlighting horizontality and calmness in its architectural expression, House EF serves as a model for sensitive rural development that preserves the character of Spain's countryside while providing modern living spaces for contemporary lifestyles.
