Bench House in Olot: A Contemporary White-and-Wood Home by Arnau Estudi

It is rare to encounter a town whose skyline is punctuated by volcanoes. Olot, a small city in Spain, offers that distinctive setting and is home to a striking contemporary residence known as Bench House, designed by Arnau estudi d’arquitectura. Set on a sloped, green site, this compact, box-like house balances modern minimalism with warm natural materials to create a welcoming, functional family home.

The exterior presents a clear, geometric silhouette formed from clean white planes softened by generous accents of wood. This white-and-wood palette gives the façade a refined, contemporary character while integrating the building into its verdant surroundings. The careful use of wooden slats and cladding introduces texture and warmth, acting both as an aesthetic counterpoint to the white surfaces and as a practical device for shading and privacy.

Inside, the strategy continues: wood is used selectively to define entrances, frame windows, and add intimacy to private spaces without overwhelming the interior. Large sliding glass doors and expansive windows blur the line between indoors and out, allowing views and daylight to penetrate deep into the plan. The result is an airy living area that feels connected to the landscape while retaining comfortable shelter and privacy.

The ground floor houses the primary communal spaces. The kitchen and dining areas sit toward the rear of the plan, linked to a living area at the front. This arrangement emphasizes an open, flowing layout that supports daily life and socializing. Materials are restrained and purposeful: white surfaces brighten the spaces while natural wood and a concrete floor introduce tactility and durability, giving a contemporary yet lived-in quality to the interiors.

The upper level is reserved for sleeping and bathing areas, where wooden slats and blinds provide privacy and filter daylight. These screens are an effective design gesture: they allow controlled views out while protecting bedrooms from direct exposure to the street and neighboring properties. Clever openings and screened elements also support passive ventilation for lower levels, contributing to indoor comfort without relying solely on mechanical systems.

Natural light plays a central role in the overall atmosphere. Daylight streams into the kitchen and dining zones, enhancing the white finishes and bringing out the warm grain of the wood elements. At night, carefully placed artificial lighting transforms the house into a luminous volume, emphasizing the material contrasts and maintaining a cozy ambiance throughout the living spaces.

Outdoor living is an integral part of the design. A sweeping deck extends from the main living zones, offering expansive views across Olot and the volcanic landscape beyond. The deck is sheltered by the house in such a way that it remains private from the street, creating a protected outdoor room ideal for family gatherings and quiet moments alike. Landscaped garden areas and terraces further expand the home’s usable outdoor space and connect the building to its sloped site.

Overall, Bench House prioritizes function and modern restraint while celebrating natural materials. The consistent use of white and wood across both exterior and interior creates a cohesive aesthetic that is both contemporary and warm. Thoughtful detailing—screening, sliding doors, passive ventilation strategies, and a compact, well-organized plan—ensures the house performs well for everyday family life while responding sensitively to its special volcanic setting.

Photography: Marc Torra.