A Modern Eames-Inspired Modular Home Near Madrid: A Perfect Blend of Simplicity, Nature, and Craftsmanship
Nestled in the tranquil outskirts of Madrid, near the village of Valdemorillo, lies a striking example of modern architectural design, born out of a deep love for nature and a commitment to simplicity.
Designed by the Tini Living architecture studio, founded by Ignacio de la Vega and Pilar Cano-Lasso, this home reflects their philosophy of blending contemporary design with sustainable practices, all while staying true to the iconic mid-century modern principles of Charles and Ray Eames.
The house is a seamless fusion of aesthetics, functionality, and an unwavering connection to the natural world—qualities that have made it a symbol of modern living in the Spanish countryside.
Looking back at architectural history, Charles and Ray Eames’ famous quote "Take your pleasure seriously" has left an indelible mark on the design world. Whether it pertains to cinema, culture, or, more importantly, architecture, the Eames' design ethos was rooted in simplicity, avoiding unnecessary excess, and using thoughtful problem-solving to create spaces that feel at once comfortable and inspiring.
Their Pacific Palisades home, which now houses the Eames Foundation, was built in 1949 and became a shining example of how open, airy spaces filled with natural light could redefine residential living. The Valdemorillo house, although situated 6,500 miles away from the original Eames residence, embraces the same design principles while incorporating distinctly Spanish elements of craftsmanship and natural beauty.
The essence of this house lies in its minimalist design approach, aiming to create a space that is both functional and inviting, without overwhelming the senses. Pilar Cano-Lasso, one of the architects behind the project, shares her admiration for the Case Study Houses in California, particularly their ability to do more with less.
"These homes focus on intelligent use of materials and the meticulous attention to detail in construction," says Cano-Lasso, drawing inspiration from the mid-century homes that revolutionized residential architecture in the 1940s and 1950s.
At a time when construction materials are increasingly costly and skilled labor is in short supply, this modular construction method is seen as a forward-thinking solution for the future of homebuilding.
The house is set within a densely wooded plot, hidden away among pine, maple, and oak trees, offering a sense of tranquility and privacy. The exterior design, featuring white brick façades, blends effortlessly with its natural surroundings.
This simple, yet elegant façade was intentionally chosen by the architects, partly due to its personal significance—Pilar’s grandfather, a prominent Spanish rationalist architect, had a similar wall in his own studio. The white brick creates a clean, timeless look, while the large windows throughout the home connect the interior with the expansive landscape, allowing sunlight to flood the space and enhance the sense of openness.
A key element in the design of this house is its connection to the surrounding environment. The living spaces are oriented to take full advantage of the views of the surrounding woods, creating a sense of continuity between the indoors and outdoors.
The architects chose to keep the home as open and spacious as possible, incorporating expansive glass windows that frame the views of nature from every room. From the living room to the dining area and kitchen, the flow of the home is designed to be effortless, with each space flowing seamlessly into the next.
In designing the home, the architects faced several challenges posed by the steep terrain and dense forest on the site. They were determined to preserve the 45 pine trees already on the plot, avoiding the need to cut any down during construction.
“The challenge with large construction projects is not only the necessity of removing certain elements, but also the disruption caused by machinery and workers, which can permanently damage the landscape,” says de la Vega.
To solve this, the couple opted for prefabricated modular units, each measuring 215 square feet, which allowed them to minimize disruption while still creating a high-quality living space. The modular construction is simple yet effective, with each unit interconnected at the floors and ceilings, ensuring stability and ease of assembly.
The home’s layout is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The living and dining areas are open and spacious, while the bedrooms and bathrooms are located in separate modules. A cantilevered porch extends from the living space, offering sweeping views of the forest.
This outdoor area serves as a natural extension of the interior, providing an ideal place to relax and entertain. The home’s modular nature also allowed for the inclusion of a separate studio module, providing a flexible space for work or creative pursuits.
The use of wood is a defining feature of the interior design, with pine and birch covering almost every surface, a choice that is somewhat unusual in Spain. This use of natural wood gives the space a warm, organic feel, and creates a sense of unity throughout the home. The minimalistic approach is only interrupted by the metal structure of the porch and modular elements, along with the white brickwork on two of the house’s four façades.
“We’ve always wanted a white brick wall—perhaps because it reminds us of Pilar’s grandfather’s studio,” says de la Vega, reflecting on the design decision. This simplicity and understated elegance give the home an almost Japanese sensibility, in line with the couple’s philosophy of avoiding unnecessary decoration in favor of a more authentic and lasting aesthetic.
Throughout the home, carefully selected furnishings and decorative objects add layers of personality and history to the space. Unlike the current trend for custom-built furniture, the architects enjoy sourcing unique, vintage pieces from antique shops and flea markets.
For example, their dining chairs were found in an old Polish church, and their son Diego’s 1960s high chair, which converts into a car, was purchased at the Rastro de las Rozas flea market in Madrid. These personal and eclectic pieces give the home a sense of warmth and character, transforming it from a mere living space into a true reflection of the family’s values and aesthetic sensibilities.
One of the most striking features of the home is the seamless integration of the interior with the surrounding landscape. The architects worked closely with landscape designers to create a garden that is in harmony with the natural environment.
The couple has planted fruit trees, tulips, and strawberries, and has cultivated a variety of plants that thrive in the Mediterranean climate. The outdoor space is equally important to the design as the interior, with the large windows allowing for stunning views of the garden and the surrounding forest.
The architects have big plans for the future, including expanding the garden and adding a greenhouse. “My father has one at his house, and it’s always been my favorite place,” says de la Vega, while Cano-Lasso dreams of filling the greenhouse with plants.
“I’d love to get a loom as well,” she adds, further emphasizing the couple’s love for handmade, artisanal objects. In the future, they envision their home becoming an even more immersive and sustainable retreat, with a thriving garden that will continue to evolve alongside the architecture.
The Valdemorillo home stands as a testament to the principles of simplicity, sustainability, and craftsmanship, drawing inspiration from the Eames legacy while infusing it with a distinctly Spanish sensibility.
Through the thoughtful integration of modular design, natural materials, and personal artifacts, Ignacio de la Vega and Pilar Cano-Lasso have created a space that is not only beautiful and functional but also deeply connected to the land and their own personal history.
For them, the house is more than just a place to live—it’s a living, breathing expression of their design philosophy and a sanctuary where simplicity and nature converge in perfect harmony.