Alcoba Housing: A Renovated Shed in Alcoba de la Torre

Alcoba de la Torre is a tiny Spanish village where the historic character of stone walls and rustic rooftops remains intact, surrounded by a ruined castle and a Romanesque church. Nestled near these landmarks is the striking Alcoba Housing, a project by MYCC that converts an old agricultural shed into a contemporary vacation home. The renovation carefully preserves the building’s original stone façade and the shed’s roof while transforming the interior into a calm, modern retreat that respects the site’s history.

Renovated shed next to ruined castle — Old shed next to a ruined castle in a dreamy Spanish town, transformed into a beautiful vacation home

The design strategy is straightforward and respectful: keep the exterior’s historic qualities intact, then introduce contemporary materials and an open plan inside. On the ground floor the layout contains the living area, kitchen and dining zone, forming a single flowing space that benefits from generous daylight and framed views of the village. The private sleeping area is located on an upper level, compact and intimate, while maintaining visual connection to the living room below.

Inside, a textured material palette reinforces the balance of old and new. A concrete ceiling gives an industrial yet refined backdrop, while a seamless micro-cement floor runs through the living areas to create visual continuity. A custom staircase—carefully positioned in the heart of the living room—acts as both a sculptural element and a functional link to the upper level. The kitchen is deliberately simple and efficient, combining clean cabinetry with practical surfaces to suit a holiday home’s needs without competing with the building’s original character.

Preserved façade and roof of the renovated shed — Facade of the old shed and its roof have been preserved and improved

Large glass windows and sliding doors in classic exterior — Large glass windows and sliding doors integrate modern openings into the classic exterior

One of the most striking features is the treatment of the upper level. The ceiling is defined by crisscrossing timber beams that have been painted white, creating a bright, graphic pattern and emphasizing the roof structure. To keep the space feeling open and airy, the designers inserted custom partitions that combine opaque lower walls with glass panels above. These glazed upper sections preserve daylight and allow uninterrupted views of the dramatic ceiling beams from every corner of the interior, while the lower opaque portion provides privacy where required.

Wooden ladder style staircase — Wooden ladder-style staircase leads to the upper level

Smart kitchen and wooden staircase — Smart kitchen and a wooden staircase sit side by side inside the holiday house

Contemporary living area with yellow chairs and fireplace — Contemporary living area with bright yellow chairs and a fireplace

The interior mix of materials and thoughtful detailing creates a strong sense of place: rustic stone and historic roof forms on the exterior, paired with contemporary finishes and transparent partitions inside. Large glass windows and sliding doors are carefully inserted to connect the interior with the surrounding landscape and village, letting natural light flood the living spaces while framing views of the castle, church and streetscape.

Simple white partitions delineate space on the upper level without blocking light

Two-meter-high partitions with glass above — Unique two-meter-high partitions for the private level with glass feature above

Every element works together to create a holiday home that feels both contemporary and warmly rooted in its setting. Rather than erase the past, the renovation highlights it: the original stone and roof remain legible, while new interventions—glass, concrete, micro-cement and painted timber—bring comfort, clarity and light. The result is an exceptional Spanish holiday home that seamlessly unites history and modern living, offering a restful and visually engaging retreat in the heart of Alcoba de la Torre.

Photography: Rubén P. Bescós