Spanish architecture and design practice, Belen Ilarri Studio, has transformed the CASU Residence into a modern home and a homage to Requena, the heart of Valencia’s wine region. The renovation of the 1930s family winery honours the region’s vinicultural heritage, where wine has long shaped both the land and the livelihood. Concerning the building’s rugged origins, the residence balances its historic character with the refined demands of contemporary living. As the design team states in an official release, "Through careful restoration, the project honours the memory of the past while adding a modern twist, resulting in a functional and welcoming space."

The 155-sqm residential architecture, crafted to support the practicalities of winemaking, has been thoughtfully adapted to foster openness and connectivity. The Spanish architects outlined an outdoor patio to counter the enclosed atmosphere of traditional wineries cloaked in subdued, soft lighting which is ideal for wine but not for the mundane. At the heart of CASU Residence, the courtyard design introduces natural light, connecting the indoor and outdoor spaces and grounding the residential design within its surroundings.

The linear pathway from the ochreous patio leads to the residential building, perched beneath a gently sloping roof. Inside, the living spaces are sequentially organised to maximise the building’s flow and function. An ergonomic spiral staircase sculpturally connects the main floor to the lower level, once home to the original wine vats, rooting the residence in its historical essence.

"Through an organic transition between the old tanks and wine vats, the design fosters the creation of naturally connected living spaces,” mentions the press release. This connection gives rise to functional yet additional living spaces that reinterpret the former storage for grapes and wine, preserving the site’s inheritance while embracing the comforts of contemporary design.

In reverence to the site’s intrinsic, sabulous textures, roughened wall surfaces are left untouched by excessive refinishing and retain an earthy warmth and authenticity that echo the cellar’s history, preserving the building’s tactile connection to the land. Neutral hues and a tanned colour palette complement the original structure, enhancing the winery’s rustic charm. Exposed brick and stonework bear the indelible marks of the structure’s age, imbuing the home with a sense of ingenuity that doesn’t diminish its historical significance.

While the renovation architecture leans into its historical narrative, it is also deeply attuned to sustainable living needs. In composing spaces that offer natural lighting and ventilation, the design reduces dependence on artificial energy sources, aligning with a responsible approach to restoration. CASU Residence embodies the studio’s penchant for “honest materials” and a subtle elegance by making selective and impactful reforms.

With a focus on blending the old with the new, Belén Ilarri Studio takes a refined approach to architectural restoration. The practice thrives on creating functional, meaningful spaces that honour the character of existing buildings, while carefully adapting them for modern living. This private residence reveres its origins, offering an artful and inviting space that acknowledges its heritage while embracing the practicalities and rhythms of the present. As the design team notes in an official press statement, “By respecting the original surfaces and incorporating modern comforts, the project not only pays tribute to the history of the winery but also creates a warm, functional home.”

Previously featured residential projects on STIR showcasing Spanish architecture include a net-zero, low-cost housing prototype, 54 Social Housing by Joan Josep Fortuny Giró and Alventosa Morell Arquitectes; En Bateria by NORA Studio as a symphony of muted tones in exposed thermo-clay blocks; and a dwelling-studio haven, La Posada by inN arquitectura.

Project Details

Name: CASU Residence
Location: Valencia, Spain
Architect: Belen Ilarri Studio
Gross Built-up Area: 155 sqm
Year of Completion: 2024