In an inspirational example of adaptive reuse, architecture firm The Nieuw has teamed up with Ibiza Interiors to transform an abandoned storage shed on the island of Ibiza into a stunning contemporary home. Infused with the colors, materials, and laid-back feel of its surroundings, the Ibiza Campo Loft takes a structure that most people would have demolished and shows us all how much potential can be found in unexpected places when you’re determined to preserve a piece of the past.

Set on a remote mountain field overlooking the rugged landscape, the home serves as a vacation getaway, guesthouse, and showcase project for the designer, who also owns it. Yes, Jurjen van Hulzen found the 100-year-old original structure in very poor condition when he first found it, but he felt inspired by its use of vernacular materials. Seeing it in context spurred him to take on the project, envisioning all the things it could become.

“Concrete columns and steel beams were carrying a typical Ibizan ‘sabina beam’ roof,” says the firm. “A mix of the industrial structure combined with the rustic roof formed the concept for the rest of the design: an interesting play and contrast between rustic and industrial. That’s also how it’s got the name ‘Campo Loft,’ which basically means ‘industrial open living space on the field’.”

The architects preserved the traditional building structure to remain in character with typical Ibizan architecture, mixing modern and traditional materials throughout the renovation process. They laid concrete floors, added new chalk and mud plastered stone walls, and made use of “sabina beams” from trees that only grow on Ibiza. Steel accents, like those seen in the kitchen, bring in a modern element to contrast with the older surfaces.

The architects also had to bring in modern utilities like electricity, water, and sewage, but they did so with off-grid methods, using solar panels for hot water, floor heating, and electricity. The result is a self-sustainable home that feels fresh, luxe, and organic. Van Hulzen also designed a floor plan that incorporates a large open space on the south side of the building to take advantage of the views, connecting it to a generous private terrace. The bedrooms are tucked into the north corners to keep them naturally shady and cool.

The sun-dappled kitchen connects to a dining alcove illuminated by a skylight, and the bathroom features a free-standing bath with windows that can open to the living area to give bathers views of both the fireplace and the landscape beyond. Small touches like herringbone terra cotta tile floors root the home in visuals associated with its Spanish location.

The architects add: “To finish off the design, [we] have collaborated with [our] familiar project partners: 100-percent natural beds from Coco-mat, and all the furniture, lighting, curtains, and carpets are from their partner store The Modern in Amsterdam. The urban and rough steel kitchen island with marble top is from Eginstill, and the walls have been decorated with art from gallery Vroom & Varossieau. They’ve used the bath and sink from Not Only White, and the taps and shower are designed by Piet Boon from Cocoon.”

The dreamy mountain home certainly looks like the ultimate place to rest, recharge, and luxuriate in the essence of Ibiza.