House-College by Antonio Altarriba Architects: School Transformed into a Family Home

Redefining a Former School as a Modern Home

House-College is an inspiring example of adaptive reuse, transforming a former school into a contemporary single-family home. The project was developed by architects Antonio Altarriba, showcasing a careful architectural dialogue between memory and modernity.

The intervention respects the original volumes of the old classrooms, which have been reimagined as bright living rooms, bedrooms and common areas. Terraces now occupy the space where there used to be school courtyards, while maintaining the unique character of the building through a residential lens.

Earth-Inspired Design, Elevated Experience

The house mainly unfolds on one level, with part of the program located in an internal basement due to the natural slope of the plot. Although this lower level is hidden from view at the western entrance, it opens up towards the northern facade, providing double height in the living room, workspaces, storerooms and service areas.

At the center of the house lies an internal courtyard—an outdoor living room created from the intersection of two former wings of the building. Here, a group of aspen trees introduces natural rhythm and tranquility into the home.

Thoughtful Zoning and Orientation

The project is structured around two wings:

• Southern wing: contains four secondary bedrooms connected by a shared lounge area.

• Northern wing: houses the main bedroom, living room, dining area, kitchen and library — all oriented toward maximum solar exposure.

The former water pool on the site was transformed into a striking pool that highlights the main southern facade and strengthens the internal-external connection.

Preserving Identity, Enhancing Comfort

With ecological design, natural lighting and spatial logic at its core, the house-college connects past and present. Retaining the original architectural appearance, using refined materials and precise spatial planning, architects Antonio Altarriba created a home that is both serene and rooted in place.

Modern minimalist terrace design with wooden decking and outdoor relaxation area. Photo © Diego O Pazos
Luxurious house with pool and expansive glass doors. Photo © Diego O Pazos
View through greenery of modern house with wooden balcony grille. Photo © Diego O Pazos
Exterior view with large window frames. Photo © Diego O Pazos
Internal courtyard with vertical trees, surrounded by glass walls. Photo © Diego O Pazos
Bright corridor with natural light, wooden floor and built-in bench. Photo © Diego O Pazos
Contemporary two-level living room with individual geometric window frames. Photo © Diego O Pazos
Balcony with wooden grille for privacy above a glass-enclosed gym. Photo © Diego O Pazos
Entrance with clean stairs and monolithic design. Photo © Diego O Pazos
Garden illuminated by soft sunset light. Photo © Diego O Pazos
Evening terrace with minimalist chairs and glass window. Photo © Diego O Pazos
Illuminated interiors and pool reflecting warm light. Photo © Diego O Pazos
Glowing pool and atmospheric sunset. Photo © Diego O Pazos