Brutalism, breathtaking views out to Es Vedrá and Balinese-inspired design combine at Can Cubista, a new-build villa that mesmerises with its bold materiality.
“When you create a dark atmosphere inside a house, it’s actually the outside that’s highlighted. There’s a contrast generated with the vivid blue of the sea and the green of the vegetation,” muses Victor Abellán Garcia of his Brutalist leaning villa.
Much like the brightness switch on a screen, Can Cubista dials up the saturation. A block-like dwelling constructed almost entirely of concrete, its solid structure stands apart both from its surroundings and traditional Ibicencan design troupes.
When Victor bought the plot of land in Cala Carbo, it already came with plans for a villa comprising two cubist volumes stacked on top of each other. Restricted as to how much he could modify the blueprint (largely because it had been designed to maintain the views of the villa behind it), the one thing he could change was the materials. Sidelining the whitewashed lime render and light stone that had been earmarked for the project, he knew he wanted something moodier in look and more substantial in structure. “I love concrete buildings and using materials that always improve. I like knowing that the villa isn’t going to deteriorate with time,” he explains.
Timeless in terms of construction, the texturally rich atmosphere of Can Cubista also feels intemporal. Roughly cut stone walls are paired with smooth microcement surfaces. Concrete frames with wooden slats provide a rich, grain-like imprint. A departure from quintessential island style, Victor looked further East for inspiration, taking cues from deep lava stone used in Bali and the Azores to create a striking contrast from the verdant grounds.
“My travels have taught me to appreciate the beauty of natural landscapes and the importance of creating spaces that blend harmoniously with their surroundings,” says Victor. Working alongside Arquit3ctes to hone the final result, the team built inspiring architectural frames for the views. “Inside, we’ve ensured a more relaxing atmosphere that’s darker, almost cave-like,” he adds.
“I love concrete buildings and using materials that always improve. I like knowing that the villa isn’t going to deteriorate with time.”
Throughout Can Cubista, a blend of exposed masonry and stone echoes the rocky outcrop of Es Vedrá on the horizon. Similarly, open living spaces with wall-to-wall windows capture the cinematic beauty of the landscape – a panorama of pine forest and ocean. “My goal was to create a neutral yet welcoming atmosphere that allowed the colours and natural beauty of the surroundings to take centre stage,” notes Victor.
There’s an away-from-it-all feel of escapism throughout the home. The top floor – which houses the principal bedroom suite and a further guest bedroom – cantilevers from the level below, extending outwards towards the waves. “In Spanish we have the word ‘miradora’, which means ‘lookout’,” Victor explains. “That’s the feeling you get here. You’re elevated and you have this whole vista panning out before you. It feels like you’re floating.”
“My travels have taught me to appreciate the beauty of natural landscapes and the importance of creating spaces that blend harmoniously with their surroundings.”
The blockbuster worthy views might have been the starting point for the design, but that hasn’t detracted from the finer details. Interiors wise, nothing shouts at Can Cubista but finishing touches possess a quiet confidence. All accents are carefully considered to accentuate the more muted backdrop, from custom Iroko wood kitchen cabinets to the brushed copper taps that pop against the grey. Outside, the pool is lined with turquoise Balinese sukabumi stone, which brings an inviting dive-right-in vibrancy.
Given the villa’s strength of character, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Victor’s other projects lean heavily on the same concrete and stone palette too. But flick through the West Coast Properties’ portfolio and you’ll come across Modernist, LA-esque lateral villas and more archetypal Ibicencan constructions. Certainly, there’s nothing identikit about his style, which alters in each instance to accentuate every location and plot on offer. His references rove widely from Peter Zumthor to Tadao Ando, but there’s a sense of minimalism and simplicity that threads everything together.
To fully consolidate his learnings and uncover his favourite elements of each project, Victor likes to spend a period of time living in each villa he crafts. At Can Cubista, he gravitated towards the ground-floor bedroom, clad entirely in stone. “It’s really dark and cool. The views out to an olive tree give it a sense of spirit,” he reflects. “Much like the villa as a whole, it feels private and totally relaxed.”
Can Cubista is for sale for €3,600,000.
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