- Interior
Casa Agulló is the result of a personal project by Benni Allan, the director of EBBA, located in picturesque Altea, Spain. Born and raised in Spain with English parents, Benni left for London to study. He graduated from UCL's Bartlett School of Architecture and developed a practice that combines his passions for architecture, design and craftsmanship.
In his hometown of Altea, Benni Allan painstakingly worked on the renovation of Casa Agulló, striking a balance between retaining heritage features and incorporating modern interventions and details. The project is deeply rooted in environmental awareness; all materials used are sourced from within a 100km radius of the house. This sustainable aspect enhances the house's connection with its surroundings and minimises its ecological footprint. 
This charming townhouse boasts three bedrooms. On the ground floor is a well-proportioned bedroom with an ensuite bathroom, adjacent to the entrance hall, dining room and kitchen, leading to an intimate patio at the back.The first floor houses two spacious double bedrooms and a shared bathroom, designed as a small retreat with stone floors reflecting Altea's cobbled streets. The eye-catcher is the living space on the top floor, formerly a workshop where the original owner made model boats. Allan has opened up this space to take advantage of the breathtaking views and provide access to a large terrace. The original concrete floor, still covered with traces of paint reflecting the house's history, has been preserved. This historical element has also been carried through to the kitchen, which serves as both a workbench and cooking space. EBBA, Benni Allan's ambitious architecture and design studio, is known for its material-conscious and process-driven approach. Frequently exhibited and enjoying growing recognition, the studio was recently awarded Young Architect of the Year and nominated for Best Furniture Design and Small Building at the Dezeen Awards 2022.
"The living space was transformed so that the breathtaking views were highlighted to the fullest"
The projects range from buildings and pavilions to interiors and installations, are characterised by deep client engagement and collaborative processes. The focus is on creating spaces and objects that respond to contextual and material conditions, with the aim of capturing the essence of a place. 
Casa Agulló exemplifies EBBA's thinking: functional and elegant designs that embrace the rich history of a place while responding to modern needs. The result is a house that harmoniously brings together past and present, a haven that reflects the soul of Altea and welcomes guests into a world of timeless beauty and serene simplicity.
Photography by Salva Lopez
Text by Elke Aerts