The Blakstad Design Consultants signature style is based in the traditions of Ibiza and the Mediterranean, however thanks to its universal appeal, ease of living and flexibility, it is easily transferable to other destinations. In recent years, the team has designed homes across mainland Spain and Europe, North and South America, the Caribbean and even Africa – an exciting international expansion. Three common elements connect the Blakstad global projects: climate, lifestyle and local heritage.
The dry land of Scottsdale in Arizona contains an interesting architectural heritage that runs parallel with the Blakstad ethos. Rolf Blakstad cites the 1000 years old pueblo cultures and architectural solutions of the region as architecturally similar to Ibiza’s traditions – ones hark back to the 8th millennium BC. For the Blakstad project – backed by low dry brush, sandy earth and towering cacti – teams took dry stone directly from the site and sourced timber from local suppliers. As the Scottsdale bylaws insist on rendered exterior wall finishes or exposed stone, they chose the latter to replicate the rustic colours and textures of the land while large skylights, exposed wood beams, terraced landscaping and a pool patio give it a uniquely Ibiza feel.
At the other end of the landscape spectrum is a Blakstad home in Santa Barbara, California, where a Spanish revival style has long been popular. Blakstad were commissioned to expand an existing 1920s Mediterranean style bungalow with a guesthouse, pool and landscaping. The gardens were designed to have a very Ibiza feel, while slotting seamlessly into the ‘American Riviera’ type ambience. All materials were again sourced locally, and the result is a modern, Ibiza style villa clad in bougainvillea, and maximising the climate with lots of outdoor space.
Situated on Turkey’s Aegean coast is the historic town of Alaçati, where a Blakstad home here sits on a 3000 square metre plot. The architecture here is distinctly Greek in heritage as opposed to Turkish, and due to local regulations the Blakstad team were required to adapt the usual flat roof design to encompass a pitched roof. Many familiar Ibicancan motifs were used throughout the project design, including inner courtyards, water features, pergola shaded terraces, exposed beams and white-washed walls. From the weather and the cuisine to the landscape and the lifestyle, it’s easy to see why the Mediterranean dream has become a global aspiration.
For more information contact Rolf Blakstad on rolf@blakstadibiza.com or visit https://blakstadibiza.com/
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