Sotogrande, November 13, 2016: The historic destination of Sotogrande is being transformed into the home for very contemporary architecture set within extensive parkland.
The area known as La Reserva that sits at the very heart of one of Spain’s oldest and most exclusive leisure and real estate destinations, will be turned into exceptional parkland under the curatorship of the internationally renowned and highly decorated French architecte paysagiste, Jean Mus. Within this parkland, seven highly acclaimed architects from around the world will create seven world-‐only very contemporary villas.
Jean Mus’ visionary masterplan for La Reserva includes the instatement of authentic Mediterranean flora, taking as his basis the area’s ancient landscapes which have been influenced over the centuries by imports from the Orient and ancient Greece.
The new parkland at La Reserva will be a fusion of textures and scents from Andalucia and his native Provence. Here Jean Mus was born and raised in Grasse, a village in the Alpes-‐Maritimes on the French Riviera, where he continues the legacy of his father who was head gardener at the important Villa Croisset in Grasse.
Sotogrande itself is characterized by mountains covered in cork, oak, alders, bay laurels and holly trees, rhododendrons, ferns, mosses, myrtle, thyme and sage. The designs by Jean Mus and his team of highly trained professionals will work with these indigenous species as well as incorporate Provencal scents and textures of orange blossom, Cypress and lavender. Hard landscaping will look to the Spanish traditions of stone, blending this into pathways, subtle route markers, outbuildings and footbridges.
Mus and the wider teams at Sotogrande, hand-‐picked and appointed seven world-‐ recognised architects from South America and Europe to design homes within the park. The architects were chosen for their highly contemporary approach to buildings and respect for the natural setting.
The architects are:
· Ben van Berkel, UNStudio, Amsterdam Netherlands
· Carlos Ferrater, Office of Architecture, Barcelona Spain
· Philip Gumuchdjian Architects, London UK
· Jan Jensen, Jensen & Skodvin, Oslo Norway
· Marcio Kogan, Mk27 São Paolo Brazil
· Andreas Martin-‐Löf Arkitekter, Stockholm Sweden
· Fran Silvestre Arquitectos, Valencia Spain
With construction due to commence in 2017 for completion 2018, these standalone residences will be peons of contemporary architecture for decades to come. Their raison d’etre is to maintain a delicate balance between architecture suitable to the location while fulfilling the expectations of those who live and visit here.
The architects’ mandate has been to design villas of outstanding distinction which offer comfort and beauty while meeting the needs of families and individuals, guests and residents.
The villas are intended to reconnect with nature allowing the sights, sounds, scents and textures of nature to permeate the house while horizontal open-‐fronted forms take full advantage of the panoramic views across the Andalucian hills to the Mediterranean, Gibraltar and Africa. Additionally, their structure is intended to reflect, not compete with, the existing topography, giving stage to outlying vegetation, gullies and crops and ensuring that the skyline remains dominated by vegetation rather than imposing buildings.
The sun, dominant in the weather and with ancient influences on the country’s culture, takes a leading role with the villas’ orientations designed to honour and respond to its daily movement. Building materials and perspectives, meanwhile, allow for natural shade and cooling.
The villas, while being exemplars of contemporary architecture, will be camouflaged within the landscape thanks to the use of natural, richly textured materials such as stone and timber that balance harmoniously with their surroundings.
Marc Topiol, CEO Sotogrande SA says:
“The villas are interpretations of each architect’s vision of the family home as a personal journey. They will be a place for comfort, serenity, balance, protection and joy, freedom and adventure.
“These are villas of exemplary contemporary architecture, homes with exquisite planning and detailing, offering superlative spaces for contemplation and entertaining, family life and solitude. With 360-‐views encompassing the hills and the Mediterranean, the villas are at one with their natural surroundings, and provide the finest standards of living.
“For the architects and their followers, they are likely to remain significant buildings within their overall bodies of work.”
The villas will measure between 1,800 sq m and 2,200 sq m each within private and secure 10,000 sq m plots. Dependent of course on client preferences the villas are designed to accommodate six bedroom suites; numerous entertaining, living and recreational spaces such as reception and dining rooms; home office, library, media & television room and separate cinema room, games room, wine cellar, spa, gym; indoor / outdoor swimming pools, pool house and Jacuzzi; and a combination of covered and open terraces.
Furthermore there will be self-‐contained one-‐bedroom staff accommodation and the option to have a separate guest house and studio or art room. Covered garage and undercroft parking is provided for up to six cars.
The villas start from €13m. To register for more information about these exceptional residences, visit www.7sotogrande.com
Corporate Comm India(CCI Newswie)
