In an area near Córdoba, Spain, rare formations of calcarenite rock emerge in slanting slabs from the earth, often forming natural caves and niches that were once used by farmers and herdsmen as temporary dwellings. One such cave was transformed into a modern rural house by the architects at UMMOestudio, who dared to contrast the natural surface of the stone with pristine whitewashed walls and concrete floors. “We decided to focus the intervention toward a fluid and continuous dialogue between pre-existing conditions and the new architecture,” as they say, “always from a respectful position seeking proximity rather than direct contact.”

This idea of proximity works particularly well in this case, mainly because of the clarity and clean-cut aesthetic of the modern additions: the perfectly white exterior stands out from the rock both in terms of volume and colour, while modern materials such as concrete and aluminum have been used throughout as if only to accentuate the time-gap between the carved rock and its new addition. Although the house’s openings are very small, the house is always beautifully lit because of its southern orientation; meanwhile, handcrafted wooden furniture and soft fabrics have been introduced to add warmth and a touch of local character to the interior. Surprisingly spacious, bright and comfortable, this countryside house really gives the phrase “living in a cave” a new meaning.