Casa Montis is the renovation of a 234-square-metre private residence on Spain’s Costa Blanca by interior architecture studio Auñón Cabrera. Previously characterised by a Central European-inspired interior, the house has been reworked around a simpler material language informed by its Mediterranean setting.

The project began with the decision to retain the existing natural terracotta flooring throughout the house. Rather than removing a serviceable material to establish an entirely new interior, the architects used its colour and texture as the basis for subsequent design decisions. Selected pieces of existing furniture were similarly retained and incorporated into the renewed spaces, reducing unnecessary replacement while maintaining continuity with the previous home.

A natural material palette

The warm tones of the terracotta floor are balanced by off-white surfaces, natural oak, plant fibres, and linen textiles. Together, these materials create a restrained interior in which texture and natural variation provide much of the visual character.

The limited palette also establishes continuity between different rooms. Natural light interacts with the pale surfaces and warmer timber and terracotta elements, reinforcing the connection between the interior, climate, and material traditions of the Costa Blanca.

Designing for long-term use

Much of the new intervention takes the form of purpose-designed furniture and joinery rather than decorative additions. The kitchen, bathrooms, wardrobes, television unit, and dining table were designed specifically for the residence, allowing storage and everyday functions to be integrated into the architecture.

Casa Montis approaches sustainability primarily through retention, material economy, and durability. Keeping the original terracotta flooring avoids replacing a substantial existing finish, while the reuse of selected furniture further limits new material demand. Natural oak, plant fibres, and linen textiles complement this strategy with materials chosen for their tactile and enduring qualities.

By grounding the renovation in existing finishes and purpose-designed joinery, the project supports long-term use without relying on extensive replacement or decorative excess.