Architecture

Design of multifunctional spaces

Lifestyles have changed, and with them, so has the way we inhabit spaces. In today’s residential design, it is no longer enough for a home to be beautiful: it must be versatile, functional and adaptable. This is why the design of multifunctional spaces has become one of the strongest trends in architecture and interior design.

We design versatile and functional homes, where each space can be transformed according to the needs of the moment, without sacrificing comfort or aesthetics.

Households adaptable to new needs

The pandemic marked a turning point in our relationship with our homes. Living rooms became offices, kitchens became classrooms, bedrooms became gyms. This experience has driven the concept of homes adaptable to new needs, where space responds to real life.

From telecommuting zones to relaxation or entertainment areas, the design must allow the transition between functions without sacrificing order or visual harmony.

Movable partitions and flexible design

One of the keys to flexible design for today’s homes is the use of movable or sliding partitions, which allow you to divide or open up spaces as needed. This architectural solution offers incredible freedom: you can have an open-plan living room during the day and a private bedroom at night, or integrate a kitchen and dining room to extend the social area.

Transformable and versatile furniture

In contemporary interior design, transformable and versatile furniture is an essential ally. Extendable tables, folding beds, folding desks or modular sofas make it possible to change the function of a space in seconds. This versatility is especially useful in second homes or in projects that seek to optimise every square metre without sacrificing design.

Hybrid zones and aesthetically designed home offices

Hybrid areas within the home are becoming increasingly common, such as reading corners that also serve as a home office, dining rooms with a breakfast bar or enclosed terraces that function as multi-purpose rooms.

The rise of teleworking has made it essential to develop interiors adapted to teleworking, with aesthetically designed home offices that do not look improvised or break away from home décor. The key is to integrate technology, lighting and ergonomics in an elegant way.

Integrated kitchens and flowing spaces

Kitchens integrated with the dining room and living room are another example of multifunctional design. They allow for greater socialisation, remove physical and visual barriers, and make the home flow as a whole. This integration is not only functional, but also a statement of style and lifestyle.

Architecture designed to reinvent itself

The design of multifunctional spaces is not an emergency solution, but a logical evolution of residential design.

Architecture that adapts to you.

Natural materials in construction

Beyond their aesthetic beauty, natural materials in construction connect human beings with the essence of the earth, bringing authenticity, sustainability and unique sensations to each space.

In exclusive projects, the use of noble and natural materials is not a passing trend, but a declaration of principles: to design homes that age with dignity, that respect their surroundings and that arouse emotions through matter. Here are some of the natural materials we use at Blues Simon Group to build our homes:

Natural stone

Natural stone is one of the most versatile and durable materials in architecture. On the Costa Blanca, its use connects with the Mediterranean tradition, providing coolness in summer, thermal insulation and a robust but elegant aesthetic. Whether in walls, floors, facades or decorative details, stone provides an unmistakable texture that beautifies with the passage of time.

Concrete

Concrete has gone from being a structural material to become a highly valuable aesthetic resource. Its raw and honest appearance has been integrated into minimalist and avant-garde designs, combining perfectly with wood, glass or metal. In luxury housing, concrete is used to create clean volumes, continuous surfaces and contemporary environments with a strong architectural presence.

Black marble

Black marble represents the most sophisticated elegance. Its visual richness and natural veining make it a sculptural piece in its own right. Used in bathrooms, kitchens, fireplaces or cladding, it conveys exclusivity and character. Unlike other artificial materials, marble gains value over time, becoming a symbol of natural and sustainable luxury.

Iron and bronze

Iron and bronze are natural materials that provide structure and detail with a unique aesthetic. Iron, resistant and sober, is ideal for visible structural elements, railings or door and window frames. Bronze, on the other hand, introduces a warm and sophisticated tone, perfect for taps, lamps or decorative details. Both materials age with dignity, creating a natural patina that adds history and depth to spaces.

Natural grass

Grass, whether in outdoor gardens, interior patios or green roofs, is a living material that brings freshness, colour and a direct connection with nature. Its use in architecture not only responds to a decorative function, but also forms part of sustainability strategies in design, improving air quality, regulating temperature and generating visual and emotional wellbeing.

Materials that speak for themselves

Incorporating natural materials in construction is not just an aesthetic choice: it is a way of creating honest, sensory and sustainable homes.
We believe that true excellence lies in the authentic, in what breathes, ages and endures. Materials such as stone, iron, marble and grass need no embellishment: they speak with their own voice.

The power of sensorial design in architecture

True value is not only in what you see, but in what you feel. That is why sensorial design in architecture has become one of the most valued keys. This approach goes beyond aesthetics, seeking to create an immersive experience that connects with all the senses.
In an environment such as the Costa Blanca, where the landscape, light and climate are natural privileges, applying sensorial principles to architectural design allows us to build homes that not only impress, but also excite and promote wellbeing.

What is sensorial design in architecture?

Sensorial design consists of designing spaces that positively stimulate the five senses. In the case of residential architecture, this translates into the conscious use of materials, natural light, ambient sound, aromas, textures and spatial paths that generate comfort, harmony and an emotional connection with the space.
Unlike purely functional design, sensorial design creates atmospheres. It transforms a house into a multi-sensory refuge that responds to the vital rhythm of its inhabitants.

View: natural light and integrated landscapes

Light is one of the most powerful elements in sensory design. Large windows, interior patios, pergolas and skylights allow natural light to bathe the spaces throughout the day, changing the perception of the environment as the hours go by.
Furthermore, in areas such as the Costa Blanca, taking advantage of views of the sea, mountains or outdoor gardens is essential to create a connection with nature, which is also key in sustainable architecture.

Touch and textures: the richness of nature

The use of natural elements in architecture – hardwoods, limestone, marble, organic fabrics – brings not only beauty, but an authentic tactile experience. Walking barefoot on warm floors, touching a textured wall or sitting on a solid wooden bench creates a sense of rootedness and belonging.

Sound and silence: architecture that listens

Well-being in architectural spaces also depends on sound. Sensorial design considers acoustic insulation, reverberation, and even the possibility of incorporating the sound of water, wind or nature outside as part of the interior atmosphere. The result is a space that conveys calm and serenity.

Aroma and air: breathing design

Aromas are an invisible but powerful part of comfort. Incorporating vegetation, interior gardens or aromatic patios with lavender, rosemary or citrus fruits allows you to create interior green spaces that not only beautify, but also purify the air and stimulate the sense of smell in a subtle way.

Modular and industrialised construction

Modular and industrialised construction has revolutionised the real estate sector, especially in the field of housing. In a context where sustainability, efficiency and customisation are increasingly valued, this architecture offers innovative solutions that make a difference.

What is modular construction?

Modular construction consists of manufacturing parts of a building – modules – in a controlled environment, such as a factory, and then assembling them at the final site. This technique should not be confused with prefabricated houses. Today, modular projects allow a level of design, quality and finishes as high as in traditional construction, but with clear advantages in time, cost and sustainability.

Advantages of modular housing

Modular homes offer a number of key benefits that make them an ideal choice for those looking to build a home:

– Speed and efficiency: thanks to modularisation in construction, construction times are significantly reduced. While the foundations are prepared on site, the modules are built in the factory. This parallel process allows for fast and efficient construction, ideal for meeting tight deadlines without compromising quality.

– Controlled quality: by manufacturing in an industrialised environment, errors are minimised and every detail is optimised. Modular construction systems guarantee a high standard of technical precision and durability.

– Sustainable building: industrialised architecture generates less waste, consumes less energy and makes it easy to incorporate energy-efficient solutions. In addition, by reducing travel and working time on site, the carbon footprint of the project is also reduced.

– Flexibility and customisation: despite being module-based, these homes do not sacrifice design. They can be adapted to the specific needs of the client, with high quality finishes, personalised distribution and cutting-edge technology.

A model aligned with market trends

On the Costa Blanca, the demand for sustainable, high quality and fast delivery construction is constantly growing. Industrialised construction responds perfectly to these demands, making it possible to deliver exclusive homes in less time and with better guarantees.

Blues Simon Group and innovation in construction

We are committed to continuous innovation and to offering solutions that combine excellence, efficiency and sustainability. That is why we explore and apply modular construction techniques in our developments, always maintaining the highest standards in design, materials and execution.

Terrazzo in kitchen design

In the world of home construction, every detail counts. Materials must not only meet high quality standards, they must also offer a sophisticated and timeless aesthetic. In this context, terrazzo has re-emerged strongly as an ideal design option for high-end kitchens. Its versatility, durability and elegance make it a safe bet for architects and discerning interior designers alike.

Why choose terrazzo in kitchens?

Terrazzo in kitchen design stands out for its uniqueness. Composed of fragments of marble, glass or granite, it offers a unique finish in each application. This material, traditionally used for flooring, has evolved and is now used in terrazzo worktops, wall cladding and even made-to-measure furniture.

For high-end projects, terrazzo allows for exclusive customisation in terms of colour, type of aggregate, and finish. This ensures unique results that are consistent with the overall concept of the home.

Sophisticated applications

Terrazzo kitchen floor

Terrazzo kitchen flooring is ideal for open-plan rooms or kitchens integrated into open-plan spaces. It provides visual continuity and a polished appearance that conveys luxury without stridency. In addition, its high resistance to wear and tear makes it a durable solution that maintains its beauty over time.

Terrazzo worktops

Terrazzo worktops are increasingly in demand in designer kitchens. Not only are they heat and stain resistant, but they also allow for customised combinations with the rest of the materials in the home, such as hardwood, steel or natural stone.

Terrazzo walls in kitchen

Cladding a wall with terrazzo – or using it as a backsplash – is a way to elevate the design of the space. Terrazzo walls in kitchens add texture and sophistication, achieving a contemporary art gallery effect.

Colour combinations and style

The colour combinations with terrazzo in the kitchen are infinite. It is common to opt for neutral bases – off-white, pearl grey, warm beige – with fragments in gold, bronze or black tones. This choice fits perfectly in modern, minimalist or Mediterranean-inspired environments.

The touch of Venetian terrazzo

Venetian terrazzo is especially appreciated in premium projects. Its large marble marble fragments give it a noble, handcrafted look, ideal for kitchens that seek to combine tradition and innovation.

Maintenance of terrazzo surfaces

Un valor añadido del terrazo es su bajo mantenimiento. Sellado correctamente, es fácil de limpiar y conserva su aspecto impecable con mínimos cuidados, lo que lo hace ideal para clientes que valoran tanto el diseño como la practicidad.

Conclusion

Including terrazzo in the decoration of modern kitchens makes its exclusive aesthetics, resistance and adaptability position it as one of the most complete materials on the market. In our experienced hands, terrazzo becomes a key element for sophisticated, functional and elegant kitchens.

Quality housing

In the world of housing construction, there is a growing trend towards the pursuit of quality over quantity. This philosophy, known as ‘less is more’, is based on the idea that it is not about building the biggest house or the most the most comfortable home, but to create a unique and personalised space that reflects the lifestyle and needs of the homeowner the lifestyle and needs of its owners.

Why is quality so important in housing construction?

Luxury housing should not only be aesthetically stunning, but also durable, functional and efficient. To achieve this, it is essential to use high quality materials, expert workmanship and innovative construction techniques.

What are the benefits?

– Higher resale value: building with high quality materials and expert workmanship tends to hold its value better than houses built tend to hold their value better than houses built with lower quality materials and techniques.

– Lower maintenance costs: they are less likely to suffer from structural or other problems, meaning that you will need to spend less structural or other problems, which means that less money will need to be spent on repairs and maintenance over time.

– Increased energy efficiency: due to the incorporation of high quality windows, insulation and efficient heating and cooling systems, which can save money on energy bills.

– Last much longer: a well-designed and well-built house lasts much longer and is not as much longer and without giving so much trouble – in the end, cheap is expensive.

How to find a builder who focuses on quality housing?

It is important to look for companies with experience in building high quality houses, and to ask about the quality of the materials.

At Blues Simon Group, quality is an essential factor in housing construction. We always look for the best for the homeowner, to make them feel at home and to give them years of that will bring years of enjoyment and satisfaction.

To find a quality builder, you should check previous projects. Find out about past testimonials and look for a company that listens to you and is transparent. A good professional prioritises quality, respects agreements and resolves doubts. By following these steps, you will guarantee an optimal result in your project.

Feng Shui sneaks into architecture

The Feng Shui philosophy is an ancient Asian hilosophical concept, a system of Chinese aesthetics that, for years, has been introduced into interior decoration. However, little by little it has gained greater weight and also has an impact on the architecture of buildings and even on the design of cities.

Feng Shui finds its basis in the Taoist doctrine that, in essence, relates the arrangement of spaces according to the cardinal points to favor the flow of energy (the ‘chi’). The most purists talk about establishing a dialogue between ourselves and our environment, in such a way that our physical and spiritual health improves with a better flow of positive energy.

Beyond this spiritual nuance, which may or may not be shared, the truth is that the philosophy of Feng Shui improves the relationship between man and the environment, seeking harmony combining factors such as climate, terrain characteristics, etc. In that sense, many of its premises are usable even by the most skeptical. Blues Simon Group, in fact, has already used this approach in some of its projects, such as the one developed in Javea. in which a clean and spacious entrance was respected, with abundant vegetation and, already in the house, large windows (which are the eyes of the house).

The classics in decoration

Some aspects of the Feng Shui philosophy are already well known in the world of interior decoration. Among these we could highlight:

Give importance to the hall, since it is the door of the house and, however small, must be clear and illuminated.

Promote connected rooms or, in other words, avoid those long and dark corridors. The emphasis is on reducing the number of partitions and doors. Instead, priority is given to unified rooms where kitchen and living room share space, for example.

When choosing the colour of the painting, social living spaces (Yang energy), such as the dining room or the living room, ask for intense colours, while those of Ying energy, such as the bedroom, call for softer colours, from the cold spectrum (blue and pale green) to promote relaxation.

Clearing rooms, cleaning the rooms of useless things. Escape at all costs from the accumulation of objects to which we do not even pay attention.

The importance at the planes

Since, implicitly, in Feng Shui we can find aspects of environmental engineering, biological construction, ergonomics or bioenergetics, among many others, it is not surprising that it has an impact on the architecture of buildings and even in the design of cities.

This philosophy, above all, observes nature and, as a consequence, the climate. In that sense, the orientation of the houses is key. Although in Feng Shui there are up to eight cardinal points where it is possible to locate the front of the house, it coincides with traditional architecture in which the orientations to the north are less appropriate.

In this line, one of the most positive views of this philosophy is the east, which, from an energy efficiency point of view, will be extremely favourable to us, since the heat accumulated during the morning is released during the evening-night.

If we have a plot, we must pay attention to the fact that the door of the farm is not in line with the main door of the house, because the positive energy enters through one door and leaves through the other. Also, as with the interior of the house, the garden should be as clear as possible, with clean paths and no obstacles.

From an architectural point of view, the ideal house floor plan is one that is as regular as possible, being a square or rectangular shape completes the best options. Also, and following the premise of maximising spaces, we bet on high ceilings, although better smooth than with exposed beams to avoid feeling of oppression.

The benefits of Mediterranean landscaping

Landscaping, that is, the ability to shape the landscape that surrounds us, is a very important part of the Blues Simon Group seal, whose construction philosophy organically integrates its buildings with the natural environment. The Mediterranean climate in which we find ourselves also gives us a wide range of possibilities to be able to do so, even in winter.

One of the main characteristics of Mediterranean gardens is their ability to withstand dry seasons, as well as extreme weather conditions, which makes their maintenance extraordinarily easy. The climate we have gives us room to enjoy a bright, aromatic, fresh and, in addition, sustainable exterior of our home.

However, we cannot fall into anarchic planting, without planning, because an amalgam of plant species without a common thread will ruin the harmony of colors, masses and textures that we seek in our garden.

Wide range of possibilities

Colour is the norm in Mediterranean landscaping, capable of masterfully combining hibiscus with jasmine, lilies with bougainvillea, dondiegos with genistas, honeysuckle, lantanas…even, mountain carnations with flowery walls of white sandstones – also known as dead fly wing – some of them that without being native to the area have adapted perfectly to our climate.

A color that can be mixed with other plants with a harder appearance, thus seeking contrast with the delicacy of flowering plants, such as the infinite species of cacti, echeverías, the variety of succulent plants, with the immortelle at the head or aloe vera, so widespread in our region.

In the cool of the shade

The need to generate natural shade spaces cannot be neglected. To this end, the Mediterranean coast has species such as fig trees, Scots and stone pines, cork oak, laurel and holm oak that can give us wonderful afternoons of shade to enjoy a chill-out after-dinner conversation. There are those who like more than a tropical touch and opt for one of the palm tree species that are very well suited to our region.

If, in addition, we want to add a little more colour, with that explosion of warm colours, even in autumn or winter, we can bet on fruit trees, such as orange, lemon, mandarin, strawberry tree, olive or pomegranate tree, among others.

An aromatic and nourishing touch

We cannot forget the perimeter of our plot, for which we can take advantage of what is by far one of the great protagonists of Mediterranean landscaping. We are talking about the cypress, a conifer with a leafy green background (and perennial) that will give us the privacy we want for our garden.

In addition, and already looking at the low species to delimit flowerbeds, we can combine shrubs with aromatic plants that provide freshness and that pleasant fragrance that mixes with jasmine and orange blossom: we are referring to thyme, lavender, rosemary or rockrose.

If in addition to growing plant species we want to cultivate hobbies, perhaps we can allocate a part of our plot to a vegetable garden, in which to give free rein to our most rustic side, an activity in which many people find another escape valve. Winter is the season for broad beans, oriental ones such as pak choi or tak choi wreaths, red cabbage purple for Christmas Eve dinner, carrots or Brussels sprouts.

The garden and the landscaping that we carry out are another part of our home, of our home. From our know-how, we will not only optimize the environment but also the architecture itself, improving our enjoyment without falling into altering the idiosyncrasy of the place.

Construction innovation: post-tensioned slabs

Innovation has been in Blues Simon Group’s DNA since its origins, not only in the choice of materials, but also in the building processes themselves. For this reason, we do not hesitate to explore the latest construction trends, as in the case of post-tensioned slabs that have historically been used in civil construction works, such as bridges, and which we are now transferring to residential construction.

This type of slab, based on prestressed concrete, is produced using a technique whereby steel cables are tensioned after the concrete has set, taking great care to ensure that the concrete has reached sufficient strength to withstand the applied stresses. Obviously, this method requires the use of both concrete and high-strength steel.

From bridges to houses

Originally, the technique was mainly used in bridge construction, but it has gradually been transferred to other buildings. In markets such as the United States, it came to the fore in the 1960s. Previously, it has been necessary to overcome some incidences, such as deformations when the thickness of the slabs ranged between 20 and 25 centimetres, for example.

However, the technique evolved extraordinarily and one of the first additional applications was in car parks, later moving on to other large facilities such as sports complexes, indoor swimming pools, bus terminals or airports, etc.

Over the course of time, this construction technique can now be found in cinemas and theatres, hotels, hospitals or large industrial offices. The common denominator is the size of the building, which can accommodate large audiences in large open-plan areas.

Advantages over traditional slabs

Blues Simon Group, on the other hand, is committed to the technique for residential use, exploiting all its virtues, from the flexibility it provides when it comes to distribution to the play it gives to create very open floors, with large openings between the pillars. In addition, it allows an increase in free height between floors, as the slab depth is reduced by half compared to a traditional floor slab. In other words, the incompatibility that historically existed between obtaining large spans while reducing the thickness of the slabs has been completely eliminated.

From a structural point of view, their continuity means that the number of joints and the number of concreting and expansion joints are reduced, giving the construction greater structural integrity.

Practical application to a project

One of the disadvantages of the technique is that the assembly of the formwork requires more time than with the traditional system and more personnel involved simultaneously, but with proper planning this is not a difficult obstacle to overcome. On the other hand, it has the advantage that the shoring can be removed much earlier.

In addition, post-tensioned floors fit in perfectly with our philosophy of respect for the environment, as they require the use of fewer materials (up to 40% less concrete and 75% less steel), thus reducing the carbon footprint of the building (less greenhouse gas emissions, both in the production of the materials and in their transport to the construction site).

For all of the above, the technique is already a reality in one of our latest projects, the one carried out jointly with Ramón Gandía Brull (RGB Arquitectos), the Technical Architect, Joaquín Pérez (JJ Arquitectos Técnicos) and Royal Residence Lifestyle. Its low-rise design, but with a large surface area on each floor, made this house an ideal project to give free rein to our desire to innovate.

When engineering meets elegance

A few weeks ago we talked about post-tensioned slabs, a construction technique that Blues Simon Group uses in some of its projects to, among other advantages, achieve very open floors, with large spans between the pillars. Well, this is not the only technique we use for this purpose, as the use of lightened slabs with the Unidome XS system also helps to ensure that our buildings exude the elegance of a refined design, which has become our hallmark.

In certain types of buildings, the use of flat slabs – formed with concrete – has become common practice. These are elements that are supported on the columns -without any other intermediate actor or by means of abacuses-, transmitting the loads directly to them, thus eliminating the need to install beams.

This has been possible thanks to advances in the engineering world and the study of biaxial loads, i.e. when the load causes simultaneous bending with respect to both main axes, as occurs, for example, in corner columns. The thickness of these elements is usually at least two thirds that of the slab, never less than 10 centimetres if the slab has an abacus or 13 centimetres if it does not.

Unidome’s technology

Blues Simon Group relies on the technology of Unidome, a benchmark in the world of construction, which combines the art of engineering and understanding of force flows with the sustainable effort to use a minimum of material to manufacture safe structures. In this way, it fits in with our philosophy of sustainability and respect for the environment.

The process couldn’t be quicker or easier. Broadly speaking, Unidome concrete formers for slabs consist of two halves, available in different sizes. Before the concrete is poured, these formers are assembled into linear elements of the required length using two simple reinforcing bars.

The result is slabs with a reinforced concrete floor slab in which up to 30% of the concrete in the tensioned areas is replaced, with a consequent benefit in terms of cost and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions that are required for the production of cement. Not only that, but it is possible to reduce the slab edges by 5-10% compared to solid slabs.

Towards intelligent construction

The advantages of using this technique, which in areas with many seismic movements is not very recommendable, are multiple. In addition to achieving large, open spaces, it is very important to highlight that flat slabs lightened with Unidome XS products have nothing to envy in terms of their structural behaviour, with sufficient capacity to withstand axial forces. All this while reducing costs and, not least, the carbon footprint of the building by using less concrete and significantly reducing material transport.

Blues Simon Group combines this construction technique with that of post-tensioned slabs, as demonstrated by the project described in previous articles, or the Altea Hills project, already completed in the heart of the Sierra de Altea.it is not only a matter of betting on innovative and sustainable construction products and processes, but also of bringing intelligence to residential construction, so that while speeding up the construction process and saving costs, all specifications are met and our safety and quality standards are guaranteed.