An Unloved Farmhouse in Southern Spain Is Revived With Off-White Finishes and Earthy Tile

In the municipality of Vélez-Málaga, a humble home peers out over the fields of Andalusia. The 990-square-foot century-old dwelling belongs to the owner of an agricultural company in the area, and had long been unfit for habitation. But they saw the value in the home’s connection to the landscape.

"His love for the countryside and his profession led him to want to rescue this house from its destruction," says architect Francisco Ortega Ruiz, who was called in to help.

Multiple challenges revealed themselves, from the home’s lack of ventilation and hygienic and sanitary resources, to its poor indoor air quality and absence of thermal support. One of the larger issues was the crumbling condition of the roof, which had been weakened by woodworm.