History, art, architecture, design, and gorgeous natural landscapes – Spain has it all and tourists around the world agree. Contemporary architecture in Spain includes many masterpieces and world-renowned buildings, from the Bridge Pavilion in Zaragoza, designed by Zaha Hadid, to The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, designed by Frank Gehry. While residential projects don’t have the grandeur and monumental presence of these iconic landmarks, many modern Spanish houses embody the same visionary spirit. Here you’ll discover memorable architectural projects, from a house created with curved walls to a dwelling built within a rock, and inspired designs that breathe new life into 18th century farmhouses.
Built in pastoral settings or in urban environments, these projects are firmly anchored in Spanish tradition but also showcase cutting-edge design. Examples of residential architecture in Spain include traditional agricultural buildings, modernized with a thoughtful touch, as well as avant-garde dwellings that defy classification. Some projects draw inspiration from the distinctive landscapes of the Spanish countryside, while others offer imaginative twists on classic designs. Apartments can feature an elegant blend of original elements from the 20th century alongside contemporary interventions. Suspended interior patios open to the sky also provide a new take on the traditional covered terraces.
Natural stone and timber are typical for many of these projects, but architects always find new ways to use even the most ubiquitous materials creatively. For example, pairing exposed, raw stone pieces with perfectly smooth, white walls and modern metal accents. Starkly minimalist, white volumes remind of traditional coastal houses. Corten steel and glass complement simple rectangular forms and green roofs that blend the most contemporary of dwellings into nature. Many examples of architecture in Spain also put nature or outdoor spaces at the center of the home, whether it’s a pool area with a huge deck in the countryside or a cozy roof terrace in Madrid.
