Defined as “artisans of architecture,” the designs of ARK Architects are constantly evolving. As Manuel Ruiz Moriche affirms, our designs maintain the same essence, but evolve with changes in the environment and lifestyle factors. At ARK, everything stems from an analysis of the location, the lifestyle, and, of course, the design – the foundation of every successful architectural project. Manuel Ruiz Moriche views architecture from a humanistic perspective; “We are setting the stage for people to live in,” as can be seen in ARK’s spectacular new project in Sotogrande. Villa VIDA is the perfect representation of the studio’s premises, a striking and sustainable masterpiece that enhances the natural landscape.
Sotogrande Life (S.L): In your 26 years of experience in architecture, and your connection with Sotogrande: how has architecture evolved from classic Andalusian-style homes to contemporary villas?
Manuel Ruiz Moriche: The reinvention of architecture comes hand-in-hand with evolving personal priorities, lifestyles, remote working, changing socioeconomic environments, healthy living and a commitment to the environment. All this forces us to be in tune with the constantly evolving demands of our clients and the high-end market. It’s not a question of styles or trends; we continue to create Mediterranean-style villas reinterpreted and adapted to modern life.
S.L: Sustainability has always been a priority in your work, and it’s understood that ARK’s projects are ahead of sustainability regulations. How do you balance the needs of the environment with the requirements of your clients?
M.R: Sustainability and “bioarchitecture” begin from the design phase, when you step onto the plot, and you deeply understand it. We always start with an essential question: what are we going to give back to nature with it to avoid an invasive impact on it? Therefore, the first step is to conduct a thorough analysis of the environment where our work will be carried out. Nature is life. Breathing fresh air in one’s own home significantly increases the quality of life. At ARK we believe that gardens are the mediator between architecture and landscape.
More and more clients are seeking that connection with nature within their homes. People and families who want to enjoy a more sustainable lifestyle, where nature and the peace it emanates are the first hosts of the home. For this reason, the garden is a fundamental part of ARK’s projects and is integrated into the villa’s design from the very beginning. For our dialogue with nature, we use geometric shapes as a language, and from there, idyllic environments are created. Every place, every landscape, every atmosphere, every project is unique. Integrating nature into your home not only helps create a calming environment, but also influences the home’s energy efficiency. Adding green roofs, vertical gardens, or living walls makes construction more sustainable.
S.L: Technological advances—AI, home automation, and virtual reality—are increasingly common tools in the real estate sector. In your opinion, what influence will they have on the future of architecture?
M.R: At ARK Architects, we believe that true exclusivity lies not only in the design of our spaces, but also in the way they interact with their inhabitants. That’s why we integrate state-of-the-art home automation systems into all our homes to offer an unparalleled experience of comfort, efficiency, and customization. We are committed to a sustainable, distinctive luxury adapted for the 21st century, with cutting-edge technological systems, such as intelligent automation and control throughout the home, invisible speakers, automatic temperature regulation, fingerprint detection, smart lighting, security systems and cyber security.
Innovation is a constant in the company, which has seen the evolution of all software tools. Virtual reality, AI, 3D printing, BIM methodology, and construction management systems are undoubtedly technologies that contribute to its development. Without losing sight of the fact that we are “artisans of architecture,” technology helps us support the more emotive aspects of architecture. We cannot automate a masterpiece.
S.L: You have said that, “landscape is the DNA that needs to be unleashed to create the architectural project.” Can you explain how the environment has influenced your new creation, Villa VIDA?
M.R: What I propose with my work are multisensory experiences that provoke a host of sensations. Architecture is designed by and for the human being who inhabits it, to help people improve their daily lives so they can achieve something more sublime: happiness.
For me, architecture and the environment must be in constant dialogue. Respect for the location, light, and native materials are essential for the design to integrate perfectly with the environment, minimizing its invasive impact.
Every architectural project answers a series of questions: we have a specific site to work on, a client with their unique needs and desires, a budget and a schedule to meet, and our job is to address them all.
S.L: If design is the balance between reason and emotion, does your vision usually coincide with that of your clients?
M.R: We build villas for clients, not for a museum or to win awards; we build homes for people who will live in them. At ARK, we go beyond the physical dimension of villa construction. We create atmospheres, spaces, and experiences to allow you to really experience living in your home, which is, at the same time, an architectural masterpiece.
Everything is born from the place and its legacy, reconnecting with its essence. Tradition, nature, light, materials, and place are our pillars. Our process is somewhat different to that of a typical architectural studio, as we approach a project holistically; we both design and build. Behind our vision is a great team, encompassing professionals from architecture to design and interior design, engineering and landscaping, and even neuroscience.
At ARK, architecture is the constructed idea, and that’s why we cover all phases of the project. We offer a comprehensive solution, ranging from the analysis of the plot to the embroidered towels in the bathroom.
S.L: The materials used in the design are very important, both in the atmosphere created and in the sustainability of the villa. Can you describe how you selected materials in the creation of Villa VIDA?
M.R: Materials are the means of architectural expression, enabling ideas to become a reality. In keeping with our sustainable philosophy, at VIDA we use only natural materials, such as stone, wood without chemical processing and pure materials. Even the paints are lime-based, to promote healthy living inside our villas. For the air-conditioning systems we use in our homes—that is, the purest installation technology—we ensure that we use renewable energy. Aerothermal energy has proven to be the best air-conditioning system adapted to our climate, being the most energy-efficient. We install ventilation systems with heat recovery units or solar and photovoltaic energy, striving to minimize energy consumption in our villas.
All these systems, along with the environmentally friendly design, materials and construction, result in highly efficient homes with high levels of sustainability and self-sufficiency. By integrating sustainability and bioarchitecture from the design phase, we achieve several benefits, including a reduced carbon footprint through the use of renewable energy; improved health and wellbeing thanks to indoor air quality and connection with nature; efficient water management; cost control; and a design that ensures superior thermal and acoustic insulation. The integration of natural elements such as interior gardens, panoramic views and the use of natural materials improves mental well-being and creates harmony with the environment, as they blend into the natural landscape, preserving the local flora and fauna.
S.L: Your new project, Villa VIDA, is set over two floors and is designed to offer an unparalleled lifestyle: spacious, modern rooms, a tranquil luxury that provides maximum well-being for its inhabitants. Could you give us a “tour” of the house, focusing on its most notable features?
M.R: Located in one of the most exclusive residential areas in Europe, within La Gran Reserva, Villa VIDA is undoubtedly unique and exclusive. Nature, sea views, location, materials, and the interplay of light are the backbone of VIDA. Adapting to the modern family’s lifestyle, VIDA places comfort and quality of life at the centre of the home.
In the local landscape, the natural sunlight is intense but is gently shaded by the surrounding nature. The connection with these elements is at the heart of our project, which we designed with several courtyards to control shading, temperature, and natural air ventilation, but also as beautiful spaces in which to relax and enjoy life.
Our passion for creating homes with the people who will inhabit them as the central focus involves us understanding all aspects of the location, the orientation, the lifestyle, the relationship between spaces, as well as the powerful sunlight we have in our area.
Villa VIDA manages to enhance the space in which it is located; on a unique plot in the private development, Los 15, alongside a large natural park and with sublime views of the Mediterranean and surrounding natural landscape.