An Abandoned Warehouse Makes Way For a Breezy Ibiza Retreat

The Nieuw turns a dilapidated workshop and storage building in the northern hills of Ibiza, Spain, into an off-grid guesthouse with island flavor.
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When interior architect Jurjen van Hulzen of The Nieuw and Ibiza Interiors stumbled on this 100-year-old warehouse building, it was in terrible condition: it lacked electricity, water, and sewage, and only the walls and parts of the roof could be salvaged. However, the design team saw the potential of the building and its site, and developed it into a guesthouse and showcase project designed by—and for—design lovers. 

Before: The workshop and storage warehouse was left in disrepair.  Only the exterior walls and a portion of the roof were salvageable.

Before: The workshop and storage warehouse was left in disrepair. Only the exterior walls and a portion of the roof were salvageable.

The walls and parts of the roof are original to the structure. The steel-framed windows and openings are new.

The walls and parts of the roof are original to the structure. The steel-framed windows and openings are new.

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Campo Loft is a blend of industrial architecture and the natural materials found in the surrounding valleys. It is a contemporary residence where contrast plays a large role—old and new, sleek and rustic, light and dark, rough and soft. 

Simple geometry, natural materials, and large openings which engage with the surrounding mountainous views create a contemporary retreat to relax and unwind.

Simple geometry, natural materials, and large openings which engage with the surrounding mountainous views create a contemporary retreat to relax and unwind.

Indigenous plantings, suitable for the warm climate, surround the simple massing.  The blue sky is a powerful contrast to the white plastered walls.

Indigenous plantings, suitable for the warm climate, surround the simple massing. The blue sky is a powerful contrast to the white plastered walls.

The traditional Ibizan architecture remains, accented by new steel elements, modern furnishings, and colorful artwork.  Steel structure contrasts with the rustic wood roof.  Simple and local building materials have been used throughout: concrete floors, chalk- and mud-plastered stone walls, and "sabina beams" made from trees that grow on the island. 

At just 861 square feet, the guesthouse embraces its Mediterranean setting and the incredible, mountain views. The two-bedroom, one-bath, open living space is complete with a private terrace and swimming pool. It is a private piece of paradise ideal for relaxing and unwinding. 

A private terrace is an extension of the interior living spaces. A canopy provides protection while not interrupting the surrounding vistas.

A private terrace is an extension of the interior living spaces. A canopy provides protection while not interrupting the surrounding vistas.

The small swimming pool is a serene place to enjoy sunset views.

The small swimming pool is a serene place to enjoy sunset views.

Surrounded by fruit trees and a vegetable garden, and boasting a yoga platform on the roof, Campo Loft is truly a private piece of paradise.

Surrounded by fruit trees and a vegetable garden, and boasting a yoga platform on the roof, Campo Loft is truly a private piece of paradise.

Open living spaces fill the south side of the building, embracing the views over the surrounding valley.  The two bedrooms are nestled into the north side of the home, separated by a large bath with a soaking tub and terra-cotta tile flooring.   

The furniture, lighting, carpet, and curtains were provided by The Modern in Amsterdam, a partner of Ibiza Interiors and The Nieuw.

The furniture, lighting, carpet, and curtains were provided by The Modern in Amsterdam, a partner of Ibiza Interiors and The Nieuw.

The fireplace is the focal piece of the living area, anchored by glazed openings on either side.

The fireplace is the focal piece of the living area, anchored by glazed openings on either side.

Natural materials blend with contemporary furnishings in this unique, open living space.

Natural materials blend with contemporary furnishings in this unique, open living space.

Each of the two bedrooms, simply decorated, have muted color palettes and calming textiles with modern accents.

Each of the two bedrooms, simply decorated, have muted color palettes and calming textiles with modern accents.

The bathroom blends sleek contemporary fixtures with natural materials.  A free-standing black and white tub is surrounded by concrete walls, terra-cotta tile flooring, and an exposed wood ceiling.

The bathroom blends sleek contemporary fixtures with natural materials. A free-standing black and white tub is surrounded by concrete walls, terra-cotta tile flooring, and an exposed wood ceiling.

The bathroom includes operable windows, which provide a fireplace and outdoor view while bathing.

The bathroom includes operable windows, which provide a fireplace and outdoor view while bathing.

A skylight allows sunlight to fall into the dining space.

A skylight allows sunlight to fall into the dining space.

The home is filled with natural elements accented by colorful artwork, contemporary furnishings, and playful lighting.  The design team collaborated with amazing project partners to transform this run-down warehouse into a designer's paradise. 

The custom steel kitchen island with a marble top is from Eginstill.

The custom steel kitchen island with a marble top is from Eginstill.

The kitchen is a contemporary installation in a 100-year-old home.   A custom, steel-and-glass cabinet is built into the wall for additional storage space, while tying in with the black steel framing above.

The kitchen is a contemporary installation in a 100-year-old home. A custom, steel-and-glass cabinet is built into the wall for additional storage space, while tying in with the black steel framing above.

The dining space includes a built-in bench for additional seating.  Colorful artwork from gallery Vroom & Varossieau decorates the walls.

The dining space includes a built-in bench for additional seating. Colorful artwork from gallery Vroom & Varossieau decorates the walls.

Campo Loft blends true Ibizan style with modern furnishings and fixtures.  It is a compelling collaboration of interior design, architecture, and specially curated furnishings and decor.

Campo Loft blends true Ibizan style with modern furnishings and fixtures. It is a compelling collaboration of interior design, architecture, and specially curated furnishings and decor.

Not only is the home beautifully designed and decorated, it is now self-sustainable and off the grid. Solar panels have been installed for hot water, floor heating, and electricity. Water comes from a private well. It is mountain living at its finest in a warm, Mediterranean climate.

The home, located in a remote mountain field in the rugged north area of Ibiza, embraces its mountain views, Mediterranean climate, and Ibizan roots.

The home, located in a remote mountain field in the rugged north area of Ibiza, embraces its mountain views, Mediterranean climate, and Ibizan roots.

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Anna Squier
Anna Jones is a designer and founder of MOD Design in Des Moines, IA. After receiving a BA in Architecture, she practiced at award winning design firms in the Central States Region.

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