Stunning Modern Retreat: Discover Madrid’s Western Mountains Hideaway!

Located in the western mountainous region of Madrid, near the tranquil San Juan reservoir, CASAMONTESA by Lucas y Hernández-Gil Arquitectos represents a remarkable transformation of a 1970s bungalow. Initially part of a hotel complex, the residence showcased a distinctive mix of mountainous allure and contemporary elements, with a hint of playful kitsch. Maintaining this unique blend over the decades, the architects aimed to preserve its distinctive charm while converting it into a modern getaway for a youthful city-dwelling couple.

The Concept: A Serene Compact Hideaway

The proprietors, a couple with a keen eye for design from the heart of Madrid, envisioned a weekend sanctuary that merged urban elegance with the peace of the natural landscape. CASAMONTESA, set amidst a verdant garden and close to nature yet near the city, provided the perfect locale. Their idea was to create a snug, efficient area that blended with its environment and facilitated a fluid indoor-outdoor interaction.

Lucas y Hernández-Gil Arquitectos viewed this endeavor as a chance to integrate architecture, interior design, and furniture into a unified theme. Their comprehensive approach considered every facet of the residence, aiming to forge a contemporary yet ageless haven.

Design Approach: Emphasizing Nature, Crafting Spaces

The architectural strategy focused primarily on two elements: revamping the façade’s openings and organizing the interior spaces.

Transforming the Facade

The initial bungalow had functional windows that did not make the most of the stunning views. The architects redesigned these openings into expansive, box-shaped frames that present the landscape as dynamic art pieces. These redesigned thresholds soften the separation between the inside and outside, drawing in natural light and sweeping vistas, thus enhancing the spatial dynamics and adding a sculptural quality to the façade.

The Central Hub: The Kitchen Island

The core of CASAMONTESA is its versatile kitchen island—an expansive piece of furniture that doubles as a cooking area, dining space, and workstation. This pivotal element is not just practical but also a significant style statement that forms the cornerstone of the home’s interior design. Its large scale and detailed craftsmanship provide a communal area where the owners can cook, converse, or work remotely, staying connected to the natural scenery.

Material Selection: Harmonizing Contrasts

The selection of materials is crucial in shaping the aesthetic and tactile feel of CASAMONTESA. The architects chose a palette that offers both contrast and harmony, enhancing the residence’s design while respecting its original essence.

Handcrafted Burgundy Tiles

The striking window boxes and the kitchen island are adorned with handmade burgundy tiles whose lustrous texture adds warmth and artisanal flair. These tiles link the house’s key elements—the openings and the central island—providing continuity and cohesion.

Campaspero Stone Flooring

The floors, laid with Campaspero stone, establish a robust and tactile base. The stone’s earthy hues and subtle patterns draw a connection to the outdoors, enhancing the home’s grounded ambiance.

Waxed Tinted Plaster Walls

The walls, coated in waxed tinted plaster, add a soft, tactile element to the interiors. Their matte finish beautifully contrasts with the glossy tiles, creating an interplay between subdued and vibrant, understated and bold.

Maintaining Character, Adopting Modernity

A key highlight of CASAMONTESA is the architects’ dedication to preserving the original bungalow’s identity. The home’s kitschy features, which could have been removed in a typical renovation, are instead embraced as integral to its charm. This reverence for the past, paired with a contemporary approach, results in a design that is both rooted and progressive.

Through enhancing the home’s functionality without stripping its personality, Lucas y Hernández-Gil have struck a fine balance. CASAMONTESA stands not as a relic nor a stark modern edifice; it is a vibrant, living space that resonates with both history and modern life.

The Outcome: A Seamless Retreat

CASAMONTESA transcends being merely a house; it is an immersive experience. Each design aspect, from the strategically framed windows to the interplay of materials, beckons you to pause and appreciate the moment. For its owners, it serves as a peaceful haven—a place to reconnect with nature, appreciate thoughtful design, and escape the hustle of urban life.

Integrating with the Environment

The deliberate integration of the home with its surroundings is perhaps its most striking feature. By framing the vistas and facilitating smooth transitions between the indoors and outdoors, the design promotes a deep engagement with the landscape. Whether sipping coffee at the kitchen island or looking out through the large windows, the beauty of the San Juan reservoir and the encompassing mountains is ever-present.

Celebrating Craftsmanship

From the artisan tiles to the finely finished plaster walls, CASAMONTESA honors craftsmanship. These subtle yet impactful details add depth and soul to the home, creating a space that feels personal and enduring.

Epilogue: Reviving a Timeless Residence

Lucas y Hernández-Gil Arquitectos have reenvisioned CASAMONTESA as a modern sanctuary that respects its heritage while looking forward. The residence stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful design—a place where form meets function, old meets new, and architecture meets art.

For the young couple who dwell there, CASAMONTESA is a dream fulfilled: a compact, functional haven that allows an escape from the city without compromising style or comfort. For others, it serves as a reminder of the transformative potential when design not only addresses a structure but also the lives and landscapes it encompasses.