FIVE OH FIVE's vibrant blue brutalist house blends with the sky above tenerife

family residence by five oh five reflects the color of the sky

FIVE OH FIVE design unveils The Blue House, a brutalist single-family residence designed for a family of four in La Manzanilla, La Laguna, Tenerife. This vibrant blue home, set against a northeast rear orientation with views of the Anaga mountains and a southwest façade facing Teide volcano, features a collection of cubic forms that create a bold structure. Each room has a distinct volume, with varying heights providing spacious areas and large openings, including double doors to the garden and expansive windows framing views of the sky, Teide, and Mesa Mota.

Open passages between rooms enhance the home’s flow and connection. The architects choose a simple, authentic material palette of natural, locally sourced materials such as concrete, wood, and concrete blocks, applied in a modern, unrefined manner. The exterior is vibrant and lively, with facades painted in bright, cheerful colors that reflect the vitality of family life. This colorful palette extends to shutters, door visors, and aluminum windows and doors, all lacquered in shades of blue to mirror the sky.

all images by Flavio Dorta, courtesy of FIVE OH FIVE

raw materials clad the interior of The Blue House in Tenerife

The construction of The Blue House by FIVE OH FIVE consists of load-bearing walls and exposed concrete slabs, with an outer thermal insulation system (SATE) covering thermal bridges at the slab and wall junctions to ensure excellent insulation. Precast concrete lintels frame the doors and openings, while the interior showcases the raw quality of materials by leaving them in their natural state. The Tenerife-based studio opts for exposed concrete ceilings and block walls to reveal the inherent texture of the materials, reflecting a commitment to environmental consciousness. Inside, polished concrete floors enhance thermal inertia and provide smooth surfaces, while exposed block walls retain their cement gray tone, contributing to a modular feel. The interior’s subdued tones are balanced by playful bathroom tiles that add a touch of color. 

vibrant blue facade of The Blue House in La Manzanilla, Tenerife

cubic forms of the residence create a brutalist structure

Anaga mountains are visible through the large windows of The Blue House

double doors open to the lush garden

raw concrete walls and ceilings emphasize the natural texture of the materials

polished concrete floors enhance the aesthetics of the interior

vibrant shutters and door visors lacquered in shades of blue

modular feel created by exposed block walls

playful bathroom tiles add a splash of color to the interior

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open passages connect distinct volumes within The Blue House

the Blue House's bold structure stands out against the landscape

concrete lintels frame doors and openings, showcasing structural elements

authentic material palette includes exposed concrete blocks and slabs

environmental consciousness reflected in the use of raw materials

subdued interior tones contrast with lively exterior colors

large windows allow natural light to flood the rooms

spacious and airy rooms feature high ceilings

a family-friendly home with playful and practical design elements

modular feel created by exposed block walls

blue visors and shutters add charm to the windows

the interconnected spaces creating a cohesive living environment

warm wood accents balance the cool concrete tones

project info:

name: The Blue House
architect: FIVE OH FIVE | @five_oh_five_design
location: Tenerife, Spain
photographer: Flavio Dorta | @flavio_14_dh

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edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom