Inspiration

A Catalan-American family’s vacation home pays homage to its 200-year history and the rugged charm of brick, cinderblocks, and OSB.

Philippe often hosts family and friends, whether for a weekend or a glass of champagne. The second floor has a guest bedroom, while downstairs a sleeper sofa from Bo Concept and various seating areas make space for all.

The corner is the family’s favorite gathering spot—“a contemporary cave for three,” says Serge. Luisa’s module, with its cactus-lined terrace, is visible through the glass wall.

The living room has views of the veranda and kitchen through sliding glass doors.

Hebra Arquitectos used charred timber and local stone to craft an elemental home that blends into its rugged setting.

Passive House design strategies meet zippy hues and patterns, from a blue roof to a wall-spanning pink and brown curtain.

Cristián created slots in the rear facade so that each home’s primary bedroom could have three exposures. The voids also allowed him to install skylights that illuminate the ground floor. The detailing of the ribbed exterior was adapted from a large institutional building designed by his father—“really almost a cut and paste,” says Cristián. The overhang at the rear of the building offers partial cover for the private walled patio that each family enjoys.

Set in a Dorset woodland, the RIBA-recognized retreat is available fully furnished, with 13 acres and a pond.