Abandoned stable becomes off-grid, luxurious family dream home

When Carlos Alonso and his sister Camino (partners at Madrid architecture firm Ábaton) were looking for a country home for their extended family, they stumbled upon an abandoned stable in rural Extremadura, Spain and recognized it as a special place.

High on a hill and far from city water or an electrical grid, the crumbling cow shed was far from the conventional image of luxury estate, but Carlos and Camino could envision a transformation.

This part of the province of Cáceres (near the Portuguese border) has been home to generations of cattle ranchers and the Alonsos recognized the wisdom those who came before them.

Building on the instinctual knowledge of the ranchers before them, the Alonsos preserved much of the old stable. The old watering trough became a fountain and interior patio where water now helps cool the home in summer. The hay loft above became bedrooms. The facade is still the original stone, though given the homes crumbling state, they were forced to add cement behind it.

Without access to the grid, the Alonsos added photovoltaics and hydro power and worked to ensure the home wouldn't use much energy. The original position of the stable worked to their favor. The southern exposure allows for the sun to be the main source of heat during the winter.

The Alonsos also added large wooden shutters that slide closed like a second skin, covering the large windows at night to trap in most of the home's daily solar heat gain.

The home was located far from city water, but perfectly positioned below two streams that flow year round. Since there is no one else above the home on the mountain, the water is pure and can be used for drinking and bathing (after a simple filter and rest period).

Greywater is purified and the water is put back to use on the property for watering the fields. On those fields, cattle still graze.

Even local rancher José Vicente Jiménez, whose family has worked this land for generations, is still here. His cattle graze the property and he clearly is pleased the Alonsos have rescued the old stable from certain ruin.

Original story: http://faircompanies.com/videos/view/abandoned-stable-now-luxuriousf-grid-fam...
Ábaton architecture: abaton.es

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• abandoned stable
• extremadura
• caceres
• cattle ranching
• southern exposure
• solar
• hydro
• solar power
• hydro power
• microhydro power
• microhydro turbines
• off grid
• water independent
• dream home
• local stone
• japanese aesthetic
• wabi-sabi
• country life
• self sufficient home
• simple living
• passive solar

[MillionthUsername]

Another awesome video, Kirsten. This blending of modern with rustic is fascinating. I love the stark minimalism of the interior. The sinks are just crazy cool with water running through stone channels and then outside. I don't know how you find these places, but I'm glad that you do!

[nicolasboullosa]

@jeeperoo84 Money can't buy taste, education, respect & mindset. It's not only the money.

[guvidissima]

love it! it's amazing what they've done with it! absolutely amazing! thumbs up!

[IronClad292]

It is a nice house. I like the look of the outside architecture and the water system. However, I don't like the modern looking interior, it's just not for me. Very nicely done though.

[donmacedone]

What a lovely house!

[verdemanthe1]

I wish I could squat in america

[majchers]

Luxurious it is maybe not, but surely very interesting approach.

Good job guys!

:)

[xe3tec]

They never say what it did cost...I hate that. I bet its not affordable for the average person.

[Selmziez]

All of your videos are truly amazing! The guy with the cows reminds me of my grandad. He is 84 and after the death of my grandma lives alone in a village located in the middle of a mountain, but still absolutely refuses to sell his cows. He says the day he gives up his cows is the day he dies. These types of lifestyles really bring with them a sense of warmth and sentimentalism that is both inspiring and comforting. Thank you very much for sharing :).