Ladera House

Tucked into a hillside in Spain, the Ladera House is a concrete lair overlooking the Sierra Nevada. The minimalist volume is made up of two pavilions partially buried into the sloping terrain. Connected by an underground passage, the bedrooms are completely submerged below the ground while the living spaces enjoy views of the scenery. A network of walkways similar to the random movements in underground nests built by termites provides multiple links to the same rooms throughout the exposed cement interior. Although much of the dwelling is enclosed, a large picture window and planted garden roof provide a connection to the outdoors.

Photos: Fernando Alda, Amparo Garrido / Juan Domingo Santos