House T: A Minimalist Oasis in the Heart of Tejeda
Step inside House T, the latest creation by XSTUDIO in Tejeda, Spain — a village celebrated for its volcanic splendor and unique terrain. This minimalist single-family home, crafted in 2023, stands with a quiet confidence amidst the dramatic landscape known as “a petrified storm.”
Designed with respect to local tradition and the natural majesty of the Roque Bentayga and Roque Nublo, House T is a beacon of modern design, offering serene, light-filled spaces that pay homage to its storied surroundings.
About House T
Tejeda, perched atop Gran Canaria, is a spectacle of volcanic grandeur, its terrain steep and arresting, aptly described as “a petrified storm.”
A Modern Echo of Traditional Canarian Architecture
In this rustic canvas, House T by XSTUDIO emerges, marrying small-scale, traditional forms with modernity. Despite strict local guidelines, the house asserts itself on a challenging 9×4 meter (29.5×13.1 feet) plot with a 2.50-meter (8.2 feet) gradient. Furthermore, its strategic corner position grants it unique design opportunities, allowing it to command attention in the historic village core.
Cascading Views of Geological Wonders
Consequently, the design unfolds vertically, conscious of its surroundings. The home presents itself as a watchtower, stoic towards the streets yet opening its gaze to the Roque Bentayga and Roque Nublo. Moreover, a clever arrangement of windows adorns the façades, ensuring that each space uniquely captures and frames the exterior landscape.
Interplay of Material and Light
Internally, House T prioritizes a hierarchy of spaces with a seamless flow. The semi-basement shelters private rooms, while living areas ascend to capture the views. Additionally, the material palette is deliberately restrained, with concrete and pine providing a serene yet dynamic interplay of textures. As a result, the house not only looks out to the petrified storm but also invites it in, creating a home that is a beacon of contemporary design amidst Tejeda’s timeless beauty.
Photography by David Rodriguez
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- by Matt Watts
