Alhambra del Mar

Alhambra del Mar is one of the most representative residential developments of Melvin Villarroel’s architectural style in Marbella. Located next to the Don Pepe Hotel, the complex is organized as a sequence of patios, pathways, and plazas that gently descend towards the sea, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. This project was an early example of many of the elements that would become hallmarks of the studio’s work: low-density planning, reinterpreted Andalusian-inspired architecture, and a seamless relationship between built and open space.

The entrance to the complex leads through a landscaped gallery, with buildings arranged at varying levels to preserve privacy while maximizing views. Traditional materials such as stone, wood, and wrought iron were used, accompanied by carefully curated vegetation to create a cool, natural ambiance. The central area is dominated by gardens and a pool, around which the apartments are distributed, each opening onto shaded, ventilated terraces — a direct application of Villarroel’s “architecture of the void” design philosophy.