Balzar Arquitectos has designed a superb family home surrounded by olive trees in Quesa, a small village in the province of Valencia, Spain. The terracotta-colored Casa en los Olivos is a fusion of architecture and environment, also connected to the history of the inhabitants of this village, which was founded by the Moorish community.

The owners, originally from Barcelona, have returned to the land after spending several summers there as children. "The plot serves as a link between the urban and the rural," explains the Spanish architectural firm, adding, "It's the last buildable olive grove on the outskirts of the commune." A veranda, typical of Mediterranean culture, protects from the heat of the west and acts as a relay between inside and outside. A terrace with pool extends into the olive grove, offering spectacular views of the sunset.

Large bay windows link the entrance, garden and courtyards to the interior spaces. The bedrooms, with their respective showers and bathrooms, are connected to the outdoors by two private courtyards. Water is omnipresent between the semicircular outdoor pool and the indoor pool with spa and large windows. As are the materials and textures, from exotic marble and Iranian travertine to brass and olive-green woodwork. Casa en los Olivos completes its innovation with a metal frame inspired by the "balloon frame" construction technique widespread in the USA, and its passive house concept for low energy requirements.

BALZARARQUITECTOS.COM