This urban dwelling in Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Islands was designed by the Spanish practice of Equipo Olivares Arquitectos to make the most of a plot with a number of limitations. Situated on a narrow street and a fill-in between two pre-existing structures, the width of the plot was problematic, however, the depth was deep enough in order to compensate, but the problem of natural illumination had to be faced in the best possible way.

This was dealt with by setting back the top level of the three level structure, the maximum number of levels allowed in the area, to that a system of glass bricked skylights could be incorporated over the stairwell and an internal courtyard. Adaptability to the warm climate of the location led to the decision to open up the living room and dining room/kitchen by means of concertina type glass walls on either side of the courtyard, this facilitated mid-summer natural ventilation. In addition, on the upper level, the bedroom opens directly from the naturally lit stairwell ensuring the maximum daylight exposure.

Being an urban property, flexibility had to be a key issue and so the garage space is used as a play area, the library is integrated along a passage with a specially designed piece of furniture and a lift is incorporated for ease of movement for even the eldest members of the family.