Award Winning Architecture | Casa Flotante

CASA FLOTANTE Casa Flotante is an exceptional example of contemporary residential architecture, conceived not simply as a house placed on a plot, but as a structure shaped by the landscape around it. Designed by Ignacio Merino of Flow81 Architecture Lab, the residence responds directly to its terrain through a sequence of buried, cantilevered and floating architectural volumes. Exposed concrete, natural materials, water, vegetation, glass and carefully controlled natural light are integrated throughout the architectural experience. The project has received international recognition, including the German Design Award 2025 for Excellent Architecture, the International Architecture Awards 2024, and recognition through the Architecture MasterPrize and International Design Awards, alongside Málaga architecture recognition. A HOME DESIGNED AROUND THE LAND The architectural concept begins with the terrain. Rather than imposing a conventional villa onto the site, the design works with the existing landscape, using buried and cantilevered volumes to create its distinctive floating effect. Arrival is deliberately experiential. A bamboo bridge crosses the water landscape towards the central atrium, where natural light, mature planting and architecture converge. A floating concrete bridge continues the visual connection between different areas of the residence. Water is integral to the experience of the home, including an indoor waterfall that introduces movement and sound, creating a softer counterpoint to the powerful language of exposed concrete and steel. A natural moss wall sourced from Italy introduces another organic layer to the interiors, bringing texture and living material into direct dialogue with the architecture. PRIVACY AT MARBELLA CLUB GOLF RESORT Privacy is one of Casa Flotante’s defining characteristics. The residence occupies the first plot after the clubhouse, while its positioning, mature landscape and generous setting create a remarkable sense of seclusion. THE AUTOMOTIVE PAVILION The property has evolved with the addition of a new state-of-the-art automotive pavilion. Designed as an architectural extension of the residence rather than a conventional garage, it provides a dedicated setting for the owner’s vehicles while becoming part of the property’s arrival sequence and wider landscape experience. INTERIORS WHERE DESIGN BECOMES EXPERIENCE The interior specification is highly curated, bringing together leading European design, materials and technology. The residence includes a Modulnova kitchen with Brazilian book-matched granite, Gaggenau and Smeg appliances, ADL Mitica floor-to-ceiling glass doors, Febal Casa wardrobes, Noken bathroom fittings and Tom Dixon lighting, alongside architectural lighting by internationally recognised designers. The living spaces include a Zaha Hadid-designed Moon System sofa, Bang and Olufsen and Bose audio, gesture-controlled Occhio dining lighting, remote-controlled curtains and integrated technology designed to make the home both highly functional and sophisticated. A PRIVATE WELLNESS AND ENTERTAINMENT ENVIRONMENT Casa Flotante includes a substantial private cinema with six luxury recliners, a 98-inch Samsung screen and integrated premium audio. The principal suite incorporates a private garden and a highly considered bathroom environment, including a retractable glass ceiling over the shower. A Nordkap Living infrared sauna in Canadian Hemlock provides a dedicated private wellness environment. ART, COLLECTING AND PERSONAL DETAIL Casa Flotante also reflects the personality of its owner. The study includes signed memorabilia associated with Lionel Messi, Michael Schumacher and Jack Nicklaus, alongside an iron meteorite, Moon rock, a 1953 Tintin first hardback edition and a blown glass violin from Prague. Throughout the residence, one-off pieces and carefully selected details sit alongside the architecture, including 24 carat gold leaf dining underplates, a signed digital art installation and a mature Ficus bonsai forming a striking living feature within the principal living space. LANDSCAPE AS PART OF THE ARCHITECTURE The landscape is integral to the design rather than simply surrounding it. Mature olive trees and established planting are woven into the architecture, while water, terraces, gardens and natural materials reinforce the relationship between the residence and its setting. The landscape concept extends the architectural experience beyond the walls of the house, creating a sequence of spaces designed around movement, views, vegetation and the natural character of the terrain. SMART HOME TECHNOLOGY Integrated KNX / Wiser for KNX technology provides control of air conditioning, lighting and dimming, while additional systems include app-controlled exterior doors, video communication with visitors, NUKI timed access home entry and integrated security. PROPERTY FACTS Casa Flotante Marbella Club Golf Resort, Benahavís, Marbella, Spain 5 bedrooms 7 bathrooms Approximately 815 m² built Approximately 4,139 m² plot Architect: Ignacio Merino, Flow81 Architecture Lab