reclaimed stone and timber reshape a basque farmhouse adapted for contemporary living

ZU-studio reconstructs a Basque farm for contemporary living

The reconstruction project by zU-studio is located on a hilltop site in the Basque Country. The original farm had a 23 by 23 sqm footprint and was historically divided into four equal parts, housing four families. The renovation reconfigures the building into a single-family residence, maintaining the scale and presence of the original structure while introducing a new internal organization adapted to contemporary living requirements.

From the outset, the project combines a new interior structure with a material approach that references the existing building. The northern and southern facades are constructed in stone, reusing materials from the original farmhouse. The reclaimed stone is recomposed into a new facade logic, with openings positioned according to the spatial requirements of the interior layout.

The building is defined by a structural concept described as ‘four parallel walls and a roof.’ Given the large volume of the house, the interior is organized into three distinct zones, allowing environmental conditions and functional uses to be differentiated across the plan. This division is also expressed externally through the stone facades, which emphasize the mass and continuity of the building, particularly on the south elevation, which is visually prominent in the landscape.

a reconstructed Basque farm overlooking the surrounding landscape | all images by Pedro Pegenaute

Gradual material transitions unite Interior and exterior spaces

Mexico City-based practice zU-studio structures the interior around three main areas. The central zone functions as a circulation and gathering space, organized around a courtyard with vegetation and trees that provides visual and spatial connections between levels. A stair constructed in solid wood, along with detailed handrails and natural light introduced through a skylight, defines the spatial quality of this central area. The southern zone accommodates the main living spaces, with the living room on the ground floor and bedrooms on the upper levels, oriented toward the surrounding views. The northern zone is configured as a high-ceiling flexible space intended for studio or atelier use.

Material choices remain consistent throughout the project, including oak flooring, stone, stucco, and exposed timber beams set against white surfaces. Transitions between interior and exterior spaces are handled through gradual spatial and material shifts rather than clear separations. 

The intervention reuses the existing structure while introducing a new spatial logic that responds to contemporary domestic use. The project positions renovation as a method of continuation, where adaptation allows the building to remain legible within its context while accommodating new forms of inhabitation.

existing stone reused to rebuild the exterior facades | north facade

openings positioned according to the new interior layout | main entry

three interior zones organize the large building volume | central courtyard

the courtyard connects spaces across multiple levels | central courtyard

a solid timber stair defines the central circulation space | central courtyard

skylight illumination emphasizes the vertical interior | atelier

living spaces open toward views of the surrounding hills | living room

exposed timber beams express the structural framework | living room

adaptive reuse preserves the original farmhouse structure | south facade

reclaimed masonry arranged in a new facade composition | east facade

project info:

name: Basque Farm

architect: zU-studio | @zustudioarchitecture

lead architect: Javier Zubiria

structural engineer: INAK

constructor: Koldo Kerejeta

technical architect: Lander Arregui

location: Basque Country

photographer: Pedro Pegenaute | @pedropegenaute

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: christina vergopoulou | designboom