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Villa Geneve is a contemporary luxury residence designed by ARK Architects, led by Manuel Ruiz Moriche, that embodies a deeply humanistic and site-responsive approach to architecture. Located within the prestigious private estate of La Zagaleta, in Benahavís on Spain’s Costa del Sol, the villa is conceived as an architectural response to its landscape, climate, and light. The project reflects ARK Architects’ philosophy of creating architecture that listens to place, respects nature, and enhances human experience.
Located in the exclusive urbanisation of La Zagaleta on the Costa del Sol, known for its first class security and privacy.
It enjoys views of the Mediterranean Sea and the African continent, and the mountains of the urbanisation, all surrounded by lush gardens that give a constant feeling of living in nature.
The villa has a private outdoor and indoor swimming pool, SPA, wine cellar and a host of other features that make it a special property in La Zagaleta.
In addition, they are usually equipped with the latest technologies and high quality finishes in every detail, providing a luxurious and exclusive lifestyle to their owners.
- Project type: Private House → Residencial / Villa
- Project Name: GENEVE
- Location: Avenida de la Reserva, La Reserva, Cádiz
- G 29, La Zagaleta
- Principal architect & designer: Manuel Ruiz Moriche
- Design Team: Ark Architects
- Interior designer: Flexform
- Civil: ARK ARCHITECTS
- Automation: Edisoning
- Interior designers: ARK ARCHITECTS
- Landscape: ARK ARCHITECTS
- MEP & HVAC CONSULTANTS: ARK ARCHITECTS
Set on an elevated plot surrounded by protected natural scenery, Villa Geneve enjoys panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea, the African coastline, and the surrounding mountains. Rather than imposing itself on the terrain, the architecture folds into it, adapting its geometry to the topography and orienting its volumes to capture light, views, and privacy. The result is a serene architectural composition defined by clean lines, balanced proportions, and a strong relationship between interior and exterior spaces.
From the earliest stages of design, the project was guided by the principles of bioarchitecture, understood not as a stylistic label but as an efficient, conscious way of building. Villa Geneve is designed specifically for its location: the path of the sun, prevailing winds, climate conditions, and natural slopes of the land were carefully analyzed to shape the building’s form and orientation. This approach allows the house to perform efficiently, reducing energy demand while maximizing natural light, ventilation, and thermal comfort throughout the year.
From the earliest stages of design, the project was guided by the principles of bioarchitecture, understood not as a stylistic label but as an efficient, conscious way of building. Villa Geneve is designed specifically for its location: the path of the sun, prevailing winds, climate conditions, and natural slopes of the land were carefully analyzed to shape the building’s form and orientation. This approach allows the house to perform efficiently, reducing energy demand while maximizing natural light, ventilation, and thermal comfort throughout the year.
Light plays a central role in the architectural concept. In the context of southern Spain, where light is abundant and intense, the project seeks not only to embrace it but also to domesticate it. Architectural elements such as deep overhangs, pergolas, recessed openings, and carefully proportioned voids allow light to be filtered, softened, and controlled. As a result, light becomes a material in itself, shaping spaces, enhancing textures, and defining the emotional atmosphere of the house at different moments of the day.
The interior spaces are organized to create a fluid and intuitive living experience. Large floor-to-ceiling windows dissolve the boundary between inside and outside, allowing the landscape to become part of daily life. Living areas, dining spaces, and bedrooms are all visually connected to terraces, gardens, and distant horizons, reinforcing a continuous dialogue between architecture and nature. The spatial sequence prioritizes comfort, calm, and clarity, avoiding unnecessary gestures in favor of timeless elegance.
Materiality is another key element of Villa Geneve. Natural materials such as stone, wood, and carefully selected finishes are used to create warm, tactile spaces that respond beautifully to light. Craftsmanship and precision are fundamental to the project, as ARK Architects understand architecture as a built idea where construction quality and attention to detail are essential. Every junction, surface, and proportion has been carefully considered to achieve a sense of quiet sophistication and durability over time.
Materiality is another key element of Villa Geneve. Natural materials such as stone, wood, and carefully selected finishes are used to create warm, tactile spaces that respond beautifully to light. Craftsmanship and precision are fundamental to the project, as ARK Architects understand architecture as a built idea where construction quality and attention to detail are essential. Every junction, surface, and proportion has been carefully considered to achieve a sense of quiet sophistication and durability over time.
The villa offers a comprehensive residential program designed to support both everyday living and moments of retreat. In addition to generous private suites, the house includes wellness and leisure areas such as a spa with an indoor heated pool, sauna and steam bath, a fully equipped gym, and spaces dedicated to relaxation and contemplation. Outdoor living is equally important, with expansive terraces, an infinity pool, and landscaped gardens that frame views and provide shaded areas for rest and social life.
The garden is conceived as an integral part of the architectural project, acting as a mediator between the built form and the surrounding natural environment. Designed with a geometric approach that reflects the language of architecture, the garden helps the building blend into its setting while maintaining a clear architectural identity. Through this integration, Villa Geneve achieves a balanced coexistence between nature and construction.
The garden is conceived as an integral part of the architectural project, acting as a mediator between the built form and the surrounding natural environment. Designed with a geometric approach that reflects the language of architecture, the garden helps the building blend into its setting while maintaining a clear architectural identity. Through this integration, Villa Geneve achieves a balanced coexistence between nature and construction.
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Beyond its physical attributes, Villa Geneve represents a particular understanding of luxury: one based on serenity, authenticity, and well-being rather than excess. Luxury here is expressed through space, light, silence, privacy, and a deep connection to the environment. The house is designed for people, placing the human experience at the center of every decision. This humanist vision aligns with ARK Architects’ belief that architecture is ultimately the creation of meaningful settings for life to unfold.
Villa Geneve stands as a clear expression of ARK Architects’ design ethos, where efficiency, craftsmanship, light, and place converge to create architecture that is honest, respectful, and enduring. More than a residence, it is a carefully crafted environment that responds to its context and offers its inhabitants a refined, calm, and deeply connected way of living within one of Europe’s most exclusive natural enclaves.
Villa Geneve stands as a clear expression of ARK Architects’ design ethos, where efficiency, craftsmanship, light, and place converge to create architecture that is honest, respectful, and enduring. More than a residence, it is a carefully crafted environment that responds to its context and offers its inhabitants a refined, calm, and deeply connected way of living within one of Europe’s most exclusive natural enclaves.
