shape of a breaking wave frozen in mid-air inspires sculpted perla residence in marbella

perla residence in spain echoes breaking wave shape

Perla house is a sculptural residence in in Marbella, Spain, where fiber concrete, light, and curvature shape a calm yet expressive living environment. The architectural concept by Stipfold draws inspiration from a single frozen moment of a breaking wave. This idea translates into a sculptural exterior formed from fiber concrete, where flowing curves and soft transitions suggest motion captured in stillness. The white exterior surface enhances the perception of lightness and reflects the coastal context, while natural stone elements anchor the building to the terrain, creating a balance between expressiveness and stability. 

the white exterior reflects the coastal context | all images courtesy of Stipfold

Stipfold use custom elements to reinforce formal language

The architects approached the transformation as a conceptual and formal refinement rather than a complete redesign, focusing on sculpting form, surface, and spatial continuity. Inside, the project continues the dialogue between movement and calm through material continuity and parametric geometry. Beige fiber concrete walls are shaped with subtle flowing lines that echo the exterior form, allowing the architecture itself to become the primary spatial element. A restrained palette of white, sand tones, and pale wood is used throughout the interior, reducing visual noise and allowing natural light to define the atmosphere of each space. Custom-designed elements play a key role in reinforcing the architectural language. The kitchen island, built-in furniture, wall niches, and bathroom elements are conceived as monolithic components that follow the same wave-inspired geometry. Ceiling curves and integrated lighting further emphasize spatial continuity, guiding movement through the interior without relying on conventional partitions.

the sculptural exterior is shaped as a frozen wave, overlooking the hillside of Marbella

natural stone elements anchor the building to the terrain, creating a balance between expressiveness and stability

curved terraces and a compact pool extend the living spaces toward the surrounding landscape

living spaces flow seamlessly through curved walls and a restrained neutral palette

parametric wall textures in fiber concrete translate the movement of the exterior into the interior

the dining area is defined by a continuous curved ceiling and integrated lighting

a custom kitchen island echoes the wave geometry through a soft, monolithic form

the bedroom continues the fluid architectural language with integrated lighting and soft forms

built-in furniture and wall niches reinforce the project’s sculptural interior language

custom bathroom details combine fiber concrete surfaces with transparent basins

the architectural form derived from the frozen motion of a breaking wave

form studies exploring wave-inspired geometries through iterative physical models

project info:

name: PERLA
architects: Stipfold | @stipfold

location: Marbella, Spain

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: claire brodka | designboom