A Mediterranean abode in El Paraíso
The perfect enclave to enjoy those long, hot summer afternoons
In the very heart of the Costa del Sol lies Benahavís, a mountain village located just three miles from the sea. It is there you will find El Paraíso, a luxurious private development where a Mediterranean style house is nestled into an alluring landscape characterized by the verdant green of its surrounding golf courses. The architectural studio Alejandro Giménez Architects undertook the renovation and expansion of one of these houses which are so emblematic of the area, turning to todobarro in order to create a natural and sustainable floor of unparalleled beauty for the project.
Respecting the traditional Mediterranean architecture
A classic Mediterranean style was pervasive from the very initial stages of the renovation right through to the finishing stages when interior design came into play. For this project, Alejandro Giménez sought out a quality architecture which would combine straight, simple lines with big, open spaces awash in glorious natural light. The challenge was to find the perfect balance between tradition and modernity without losing sight of the area’s identity and Mediterranean roots.
Open and fluid spaces reign supreme on the second floor. Wide openings connect the interior of the property with the exterior, making it possible to enjoy the impressive views of the terrace from almost every corner of the home. On the first floor, the rooms and bathrooms all look out towards the garden and the pool, as if yearning towards the summer sun.
A traditional pavement in a Mediterranean style house
One of the principal characteristics of this villa is its use of traditional materials such as wood, organic fibers and terracotta. Reeds, plants and the natural environment surrounding the home can all be glimpsed through large windows, giving the villa an authentic character and an identity of its own.
For both the outdoor and indoor floors of the property, the architectural studio in charge of the project turned to todobarro, recognizing that the spirit of our artisanal tiles perfectly encapsulates the rustic and Mediterranean style that they had in mind for this dream villa.
The format chosen for the pavement was one of our most popular pieces: our Ladrillo Rústico 25 x 12 in salmón (salmon) and rojiza (rust red) with an ample degree of color variation. A highly recommendable piece for intensive use, guaranteeing formidable resistance against impact and heavy loads.
What’s more, our Antique texture smoothens the surface and edges of the tiles. This finish is possible thanks to a controlled wearing process, which we use to bring out an antique appearance in our traditional terracotta floors.
For a project where traditional, organic and rustic materials predominate, todobarro makes a natural fit and provides the property with a distinctiveness that is characterized by the union between idiosyncratic design and high functionality.
The inhabitants of countries lapped by the Mediterranean experience beauty with greater intensity. —Antonio Gaudí