design et al are delighted to announce that KIMA Architecture & Interiors have been shortlisted for Luxury Residence – Europe Award within The International Design and Architecture Awards 2018.
The savvy owners recognised the potential of this traditional homestead consisting of 5 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms alongside a separate guest house consisting of 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Living in London and regularly travelling internationally they had an idyllic summer holiday hideaway in mind. A beautiful place for relaxation with all the modern conveniences. A place to be surrounded by nature and spend time outdoors. Plenty of space for guests and entertaining. All this, only a short drive from the beach and town.
From the outset the client was clear that as much as possible of the 200-year-old finca needed to be retained and restored, and alterations and the planned extension should be done sensitively. To this end the Sabina (protected species native to the island) ceiling beams were restored to be the crowning glory of otherwise sparse rooms. Replacement doors and windows were purpose made in the traditional Spanish style.
The client insisted on involving local craftsmen who use local and recycled materials. For instance, the large industrial style windows of the new extension were made by a local blacksmith in a family run workshop and the outdoor furniture was made locally by recycling wooden pallets. The client also went to great lengths to source the antique implements and wheels used as decoration. This project was all about tuning into the surrounding community to work together to create a home.
Modern structure, fittings and furniture were carefully selected to contrast but compliment the rustic traditional elements, such as the polished concrete floors internally and the 600 square meters of Portuguese sandstone externally. The result – the house, guest house and surrounding landscaped gardens – has a serene authenticity and harmony which the designers hope the family and their guests will enjoy and luxuriate in for many summers to come. It’s a space that can be used as a family home or purely as a weekend getaway with friends. It’s casual comfort with added luxury.