Caballero + Colón, founded by Paula Caballero and Diego Colón de Carvajal, is a Madrid and Palma de Mallorca-based architecture firm specializing in contemporary architecture, landscape design, and project management. Their work seamlessly integrates buildings with natural surroundings, emphasizing a fluid connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The firm also excels in residential renovations, prioritizing local materials and sustainable design principles.Caballero + Colón’s work has been widely recognized, earning numerous awards over the years, including the prestigious International Architecture Award. Paula Caballero and Diego Colón have won a Future House award for 2025 for their work on the “Can Tudó” project.
GDN: Can you please describe the inspiration that guided your award-winning project?
Paula Caballero and Diego Colón: The inspiration for our award-winning project was to create a residence that seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings, bringing the outside environment inside. We conceptualized the house as a single folded sheet, where the entire structure is derived from this continuous form. By using expansive glass, the house always allows clear views of the surrounding landscape, encouraging a deep connection between nature and architecture. This approach aims to blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a harmonious living experience.
GDN: The second question is what innovative architectural feature or technologies did you incorporate in your project?
Paula Caballero and Diego Colón: The project employs an innovative structural system that, while appearing to be concrete, is actually composed of a steel framework combined with wood and extensive insulation. This combination results in a remarkably lightweight building with minimal material usage. The high level of insulation ensures excellent thermal regulation, allowing precise control over interior temperatures. Additionally, the design incorporates large cantilevers, which present structural challenges but contribute to the project’s distinctive architectural expression and spatial dynamics.
GDN: How does your design address sustainability and environmental responsibility?
Paula Caballero and Diego Colón: The design prioritizes sustainability and environmental responsibility through advanced thermal insulation techniques, enhancing energy efficiency by minimizing heat loss. Additionally, the project incorporates innovative recycled glass in its glazing, with over 30-40% of the glass material sourced from recycled content. This approach not only reduces the environmental footprint but also promotes the use of eco-friendly materials, reflecting a commitment to sustainable architectural practices.
GDN: What are your aspirations for future residential projects or your architectural practice in general?
Paula Caballero and Diego Colón: The aspiration for our architectural practice is to expand the application of our design concepts to a broader range of building types, including larger-scale projects. We aim to explore new architectural forms and challenges while maintaining a commitment to innovation and sustainability. This approach reflects our goal to evolve and diversify our practice across different scales and typologies.
