A beautifully renovated bungalow from the 1970s, infused with an eclectic character, stands proudly alongside a multifunctional greenhouse that serves as a striking living room feature in Casamontesa. This weekend retreat, crafted by the Spanish studio Lucas y Hernández Gil, began its transformation when a couple approached the architects to revamp a single-storey house that was once part of a hotel complex on the outskirts of Madrid.
As the project evolved, the couple’s vision expanded to include a versatile greenhouse that could function as a workspace, guest bedroom, gym, or simply a serene garden room. The architects, Cristina Domínguez Lucas and Fernando Hernández-Gil Ruano, embraced this challenge, imbuing each structure with its own unique character.
The renovated bungalow exudes a warm and playful style, drawing inspiration from the vibrant aesthetics of the 1970s. In contrast, the garden pavilion adopts a more utilitarian approach, showcasing the versatility of the design. The interior of the bungalow was reimagined to create an open-plan layout that seamlessly combines the kitchen, dining area, and living room, with a cozy bedroom and bathroom tucked away to one side.
To enhance the flow of the living space, the designers introduced a central island that serves multiple purposes: a worktop, dining table, and social hub. This eye-catching island features a countertop crafted from exquisite Portuguese pink marble, while its sides are adorned with handmade burgundy tiles that echo the design of an adjacent window recess.
In the living room, key details such as an arched fireplace and a tadelakt plaster coffee table add to the bungalow’s charm, while the bedroom boasts semi-circular marble nightstands that elevate the overall aesthetic. Each element has been thoughtfully curated to create a harmonious living environment.
For the garden room, the design team customized a prefabricated greenhouse, extending its volume with a pergola that blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. Topped with wooden blinds, this extension provides shade and enhances the connection to the surrounding garden, making it a perfect retreat for relaxation and creativity.
The incorporation of thermal curtains, along with an automated shading and ventilation system, enhances the adaptability of the space for year-round utilization.