Bedroom View The Alhambra
Patio View Casa Al Misbah
Living Room Casa Al Misbah
It is a real privilege to be involved in such a historical site which stimulates the imagination. Only a few hundred years ago the occupants looked across the valley at an Alhambra occupied by real Nasrid kings surrounded by their harem, visited by Ambassadors from surrounding states there in the beautiful and spectacular ambassador’s room.
Now you can live in this building and have that same view from your bedroom window.
It’s a truly unique, world class location in the cobbled alleyways of Granada’s medieval Albaicin quarter.
It is a very sensitive development because of the archeology and the architecture. Our challenge has been to reflect the best of the architecture of the original Moorish occupants, their love of art, and also embrace all the benefits of modern living. In fact we set ourselves the goal of producing a building which sets the standard for residential buildings in the Albaicin. I think you will agree we have achieved that goal.
The archeologists have been excavating the site for 2 years now. Naturally the history of the site reflects the history of the town and few places have as spectacular history as the city of Granada. Their findings have been the inspiration behind the current scheme.
There have been modifications throughout the ages, many of which were made in the 17th century. The earliest structure on site dates back to the 11th century, which is also the date of the Alcazaba, the original fortress of the Alhambra. We have been able to trace through history how the structure of the walls and floors developed, the configuration of the rooms, and how the Moors used water for drinking and cleanliness, and also for cooling.
So passive cooling is by no means a modern concept, and the Moors were masters of channeling water for all these purposes and also for decoration. The fountains in The Alhambra today don’t use electric pumps. They use the original ones designed and developed by the Moors. We at Eco Vida have a lot to live up to in terms of renewable energy sources, and we are proud of our heritage.
There are trickling fountains in every square in Granada reflecting the Moors love of water, and one can be found at Paseo de los Tristes close by Casa Al Misbah. Here you will also find typical Andalucian food in the bustling restaurants full of locals, perfect for a balmy evening.
The modern design, set out by Eco Vida director and architect Luis Llopis, focuses as much on the importance of the interiors as the exterior. There is extensive use of natural light and water to create an oasis of peace and tranquility in the busy city centre. This sense of tranquility was absolutely understood by the Moors who managed to achieve a kind of sensuality in their own architecture, no more so than in the dream like quality of the Alhambra itself.
From a conventional builders perspective access to the site is a real problem. It’s just too narrow to get a crane in and pour tons of environmentally unfriendly concrete all over the archaeological dig. However at Eco Vida the structural element of our buildings is normally a timber frame.
There is a whole host of advantages to using timber frame. They are lightweight, strong, clean, fast, environmentally friendly, safer and outperform concrete in pretty well every measure. And in this particular instance we are able to literally carry the pieces in and assemble them on site with only the need for a mini crane. The solution is not only better than the concrete alternative, but less expensive, which is how it should be.
There are 4 duplexes – two with terraces and views of the Alhambra, and 3 one bedroom apartments. Prices range from €316,845 for the largest which is 70 square metres and has a terrace to €130,000 for the smallest which is 39 square metres.
If you are interested in buying one, or if you are an estate agent interested in selling the apartments, then get in touch with John Wolfendale at Eco Vida.
