ARK Architects has unveiled TAI, a stunning new villa in Sotogrande that brilliantly merges Mediterranean and Eastern influences to create a living space designed for emotional wellbeing. The project, led by acclaimed Spanish architect Manuel Ruiz Moriche, establishes new standards for single-family residential design. TAI balances comfort, sustainability and environmental respect—responding to growing demands in the premium property market.
“Our commitment is to create projects where nature, space, natural light and personal lifestyle come together to build homes that are sustainable and environmentally respectful,” explains Ruiz Moriche, CEO and architect at ARK Architects.
The villa sits dramatically on the hills of Sotogrande, developing from two horizontal lines that begin at ground level and seem to float in the air at their endpoint. Natural materials including stone and wood combine with expansive windows to create a direct connection with the outdoor spaces.
The Luxury Editor was fortunate enough to be invited for a private tour and can confirm this is a spectacular property.
From every room, residents enjoy spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea. The design creates a green oasis based on organic architecture principles, allowing inhabitants to experience unique moments both inside the villa and in its exclusive surroundings.
ARK Architects uses natural materials finished with exceptional attention to detail, including natural stone in unique thicknesses and dimensions that sets their work apart. The interior atmosphere achieves maximum harmony, creating a discreet yet sophisticated environment. A natural colour palette preserves freshness, cleanliness and sustainability, using noble materials and creating contrast between different textures and serene colours.
“All these details have been carefully selected by our team of professionals to create spaces, surroundings and experiences that convey the optimal feeling of home, of being with family,” says Ruiz Moriche.
The landscaping serves as a backbone for the villa, integrating perfectly with nature and acting as a unifying element that ensures the architecture and environment behave as one. Endemic species like olive trees bring natural and ancestral elements into the minimalist design.
“We consider the garden as the element that encourages nature to accept the villa’s inhabitants and invites them to put down roots, trying to give back to nature what it gives us,” Ruiz Moriche explains.
TAI was designed to be timeless, creating a fresh, tranquil atmosphere that combines integration with the environment, views, and the light of Southern Spain. This required a multidisciplinary team bringing together expertise in design, landscaping, architecture, construction, neuroscience and technology to create a home that is both efficient and emotionally resonant.
Furniture forms an integral part of the villa’s concept, combining pieces designed and crafted by ARK’s artisans with a special collaboration with Molteni & Dada.
Sustainability at the Core of Exclusive Residences
Sustainability has become central to decision-making for the most discerning clients in exclusive locations like Sotogrande and La Zagaleta. ARK Architects integrates this philosophy into all projects, designing villas to Passivhaus standards that ensure near-zero energy consumption. These buildings aim not only for efficiency but for a healthier lifestyle in harmony with nature.
The firm has integrated these sustainability principles without compromising exclusive design in villas that typically exceed 2,000 square metres. This philosophy forms the essence of their vision of exclusive architecture, where design must coexist with deep respect for the environment.
Creating healthy buildings forms a cornerstone of ARK projects. Natural ventilation saves energy and improves indoor air quality, which positively impacts occupants’ health. Research suggests this ventilation approach can reduce respiratory illnesses by more than 20%. The health-oriented design, which harnesses sunlight and naturally regulates temperature, also addresses future challenges like climate change.
Exterior design plays a crucial role in villa sustainability. ARK uses native plants to reduce water consumption and designs gardens that naturally integrate with the architecture. The firm also leverages the water cycle and solar radiation to create shaded areas that help keep interiors cool without air conditioning. This comprehensive sustainability vision extends beyond construction, as ARK maintains ongoing relationships with their projects, implementing improvements and ensuring long-term sustainable management.
About ARK Architects
This year marks 26 years of ARK Architects, a firm that has evolved significantly since its beginnings. With a foundation in silent, discreet architecture adapted to the environment, ARK has grown into a global architectural company offering comprehensive client service. From plot acquisition to selecting the finest details like bathroom towels, everything falls under the expert direction of Manuel Ruiz Moriche.
The firm has expanded beyond Marbella, La Zagaleta and Sotogrande, opening new frontiers in the United Arab Emirates, New York, Miami and other international destinations, spreading the Spanish brand across continents.
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