Quarry House

CLIMBING THE MOUNTAIN

Quarry House

CLIMBING THE MOUNTAIN

Valencia (Spain)

2024

610 m²

Situated on the crest of a hillside within one of Valencia’s most established residential areas, Quarry House emerges from the challenging site conditions, ascending the slope to capture breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

A universe apart

The house’s form comprises a series of stacked volumes embraced by the very terrain itself. The dwelling is seamlessly integrated into the mountainside, creating a void that defines its own unique space, a universe apart for its inhabitants.

The lower portion of the house nestles into the hillside, seamlessly merging with the slope, while the upper portion opens to two contrasting vistas: on one side, views extend towards the sea, culminating in a connection with the horizon, filtered through the intervening swimming pool; and on the other, towards the Mediterranean mountains.

Vertical Growth

The upper level, conceived as a fluid and interconnected space, accommodates the living areas. The terrace and swimming pool are designed as an extension of the floor plan, seamlessly connecting the interior with the surrounding landscape.

“The swimming pool is a prism that extends skyward, seemingly floating above the bedrooms and gym.” explains Ramón Esteve.

Gazing towards the horizon

The concept of openness is reinforced by a fully glazed front façade, devoid of any intermediate supports, framing a panoramic vista of the sea.

Lightness and effortlessness

By opening up the views to the front and supporting the structure solely on the lateral planes, a sense of lightness and transparency is achieved, making Quarry House a serene haven connected to the horizon.

Raw materials

The house exudes a powerful, monolithic presence, a direct expression of the raw materials employed. The honeycomb structure of in-situ cast white concrete is traversed by a central core of backlit Neve D’Oro yellow onyx, which vertically connects the entire house via a staircase crafted from the same material.

The large, backlit panels of natural stone lend the dwelling a tectonic character, metaphorically connecting it to the earth’s core. The impressive slabs of Volcano onyx acquire an almost sculptural presence, serving as dramatic backdrops in the evening spaces, where the interplay of light and shadow reveals the unique aesthetic qualities of the natural stone.

“All the light on the façade, supported solely on the sides, generates a sense of lightness and transparency, making Quarry House a serene haven with breathtaking views of the horizon.” – Ramón Esteve.