Country House LS: How Ábaton Reimagined Traditional Spanish Homes

Country House LS, designed by Ábaton in 2019, stands secluded on a vast estate in Spain, embodying a unique blend of modern architecture and untouched nature. This house, nestled amidst ancient oaks and rugged granite, marries cutting-edge design with the pastoral beauty of its thirty-hectare surroundings, offering a tranquil countryside retreat.

Stone house with large windows surrounded by trees and a grassy lawn with white chairs
Modern living room with sleek furniture and large windows.
Modern living room with gray sofa, wooden table, and minimalist decor.
Modern living room with geometric shelving unit and gray sectional sofa.
Modern living room with bookshelf, couch, and wooden floor.
Modern living room with dining area, wooden furniture, and patterned rug.
Modern dining room with white walls, a wooden floor, and a large window.
Minimalist bedroom with white walls and a yellow accent blanket.
Minimalist home office with white walls, slanted ceiling, and wooden flooring.
Minimalistic attic room with a large window and stylish armchair.

About Country House LS

Redefining Rural Luxury: The Journey of Country House LS

Set amidst the idyllic landscapes of Spain, Country House LS by Ábaton pioneers a refined approach to countryside living. This 2019 project unfolds over thirty hectares of rich natural beauty, featuring ancient oak trees and a lush underbrush. At its heart, the estate houses a plethora of structures, including a main residence, caretaker’s house, stables, and a pigeon loft, culminating in 600 square meters (approx. 6,458 square feet) of architectural innovation.

The essence of this intervention lies in carefully curated one hectare, surrounded by pathways and featuring pre-existing buildings. The design strategy minimalistically tames the wilderness through selective pruning, clearing, and planting of native shrubs. Furthermore, the adverse impacts of construction were mitigated by decompacting the soil and restoring vegetation, blending the man-made with its natural canvas.

Isolated atop a gentle hill, the main house spans approximately 300 square meters (about 3,229 square feet). Access is through a sandy path, guarded by majestic oaks and granite boulders naturally emerging from the ground. A courtyard, formed between the main house, guest quarters, and stables, centers around an olive tree against the backdrop of a colossal oak, orchestrating a serene space that directs access to each building.

In a stroke of architectural genius, Ábaton revitalized the 70 cm (about 27.5 inches) thick granite stone walls by incorporating large openings, harnessing daylight to sculpt the interior ambiance. Spaces are conceived as solid entities, carved from the landscape, where these openings serve as havens for inhabitants to enjoy both the shelter of home and the mesmerizing natural surroundings.

A Synergy of Stone and Light

Country House LS stands as a testament to Ábaton’s skill in marrying robust materials like granite with ethereal elements of light and nature. This project not only redefines modern rural architecture but also establishes a blueprint for integrating contemporary living within a historic and natural setting. Through strategic design interventions and a profound respect for the surrounding landscape, Country House LS emerges as a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, offering an escape that is both luxurious and deeply connected to the earth.

Photography courtesy of Ábaton
Visit Ábaton

- by Matt Watts

Tags

Gallery

Get the latest updates from HomeAdore

Click on Allow to get notifications