Villa Amonita, Lanzarote

Volcanic stone, ceramics, and other local materials connect the architecture to the island’s essence. A project by the Czech architectural studio OOOOX.

“Lanzarote is a miracle I want to preserve, where architecture must pay homage to the landscape and not harm its natural beauty.” These words by César Manrique, the iconic artist and architect of the volcanic island, reflect his commitment to environmental preservation and his pursuit of beauty rooted in the island’s unique essence. “Villa Amonita”, designed by the Czech architectural studio OOOOX, is undoubtedly a masterful representation of this philosophy, earning it the award in the second edition of the APE Grupo Architecture Awards.

Developing an architectural project in Lanzarote — an island requiring careful environmental preservation, with limited resources and restricted transportation — presented a significant challenge that led the Czech architects to undertake a deeply conscious and sustainable approach.

Before beginning the design process, the OOOOX team dedicated an entire year to studying the area, exploring its nuances, architectural identity, and connection to the natural surroundings. Respecting the island’s unique identity, its volcanic essence, and the balance between architecture and landscape advocated by César Manrique became a central focus and a personal commitment.

“We have tried to maximise the use of local resources, both for sustainability and out of respect for the landscape,” explains Radka Valová, the villa’s architect. This strong emphasis has ensured the design’s integration with its surroundings and reflects a philosophy of preserving and enhancing the natural and architectural beauty of the island.

Villa Amonita is conceived as an extension of Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape. The villa seems to emerge from the terrain, respecting the natural forms and colours. Lava stone walls establish a visual dialogue between the surrounding landscape and contemporary architecture, creating a harmonious connection between the natural and the constructed. This integration highlights the uniqueness of the location and reflects meticulous respect for the site.

“The project is founded on a clear principle: connecting each design to the local tradition of its setting,” explains the architect. Villa Amonita draws inspiration from Manrique’s work, whose influence defines the island’s soul. The use of traditional colours — white and green — and local materials, such as volcanic stone, enriches the relationship between the building and its environment. Black lava stone, used both for walls and decorative details, emphasises Lanzarote’s distinctive character and creates a visual dialogue between the villa and the surrounding landscape.

Ceramics as a link between tradition and contemporary design

APE Grupo’s ceramics play a pivotal role in respecting the island’s architectural heritage, particularly in bathrooms and wet areas, where the small-format pieces in a vibrant green, characteristic of Lanzarote’s architecture, add vitality and evoke Manrique’s artistic legacy.

“Small-format ceramics are a highly functional material, allowing the creation of visual patterns that enhance the beauty of spaces. The green we used in the project is very expressive and directly connects with the island’s landscape,” says Radka Valová, also highlighting their practicality and durability for the island’s climatic conditions.

The renovation of this villa, originally built in 2000, included partial layout modifications to maximise functionality. Communal areas were reduced to create more bedrooms, and a fluid connection between the interior and exterior was established, fostering outdoor living. The house features a terrace with a barbecue kitchen, a dining area, and a pool, elements that enhance the enjoyment of the island’s constant climate.

Interior courtyards and open terraces connect the interior with the exterior, allowing light and the landscape to become the protagonists of the living space. These elements reinforce the experience of living in harmony with nature.

“As an architect, you must take a very disciplined approach to the project, respecting the environment to the fullest,” states Radka Valová. This approach enabled a rigorous selection of materials and designs, ensuring total integration with the landscape and a conscious result.