Set directly on the sand, this small beachfront home in Marbella arrived at Blakstad with a deceptively complex brief. While the Mediterranean town is known for its expansive villas and glamorous expat community, this project moved in the opposite direction – compact, intimate and modest in scale, yet set on a prime seafront plot. Designed as a summer retreat for an Irish couple who spend long stretches of the year by the sea, the house required a walk-in, walk-out ease that offered comfort while they were there and peace of mind once they left.
With just two bedrooms, it might appear a straightforward project. “Funnily enough, the smaller the project, the more of a challenge it is,” says Rolf Blakstad, head of design. “It was about finding the balance between making it cosy and open, and making the best of the available spaces.” Limited square footage means every surface must be designed with purpose. With fewer rooms and less physical separation, every decision becomes more visible. There is no room for excess. Proportion, flow, storage and light must be resolved with precision. Beachside homes also bring practical considerations. Salt, sun, wind and glare each demand careful material choices.
To counterbalance the small footprint, spaces open gently into one another, creating a sense of continuity. Built-in elements replace bulky furniture wherever possible, allowing the architecture to absorb the weight of the room. Niche shelving on either side of a petite fireplace and recessed cupboards provide generous storage without encroaching on floor space. Even though the interiors are richly furnished, not a single element is out of place or overwrought.
Subtle Moroccan references appear throughout the home as quiet accents. Patterned tiles, textured surfaces and hand-finished details bring warmth to the more rustic architectural language. These elements add depth without crowding the space, offering moments of visual interest. Exposed wood beams are pale and pared back, walls are gently curved at the corners and sliding glass doors dissolve the boundary between indoor and out, all contributing to a seamless flow and a sense of spaciousness.
The clients were deeply involved in every stage of the process. Retired, relaxed and genuinely enjoying the process, they examined each decision with care, revisiting details until they were just right. This level of engagement shaped the project in meaningful ways, allowing the design to evolve slowly and deliberately. Rather than imposing a fixed vision, ideas grew through conversation, testing and refinement, resulting in a home that is deeply personal and designed for longevity.
In a place like Marbella, where spectacle often dominates, this house offers an alternative reading of coastal luxury. It’s all about lifestyle, atmosphere, proportion and simplicity. A summer home that favours quiet luxury over ostentation, it shows how thoughtful design can turn constraints into clarity without forgoing comfort.
