Stipfold’s Perla Residence Brings Sculptural Minimalism to Marbella

Summary

• Stipfold designed Perla, a Marbella villa inspired by a breaking wave, featuring a continuous, fluid white shell
• The shape-breaking residence uses aerodynamic curves and large glazing to blend indoor spaces with the Mediterranean
• A double-height interior and infinity pool emphasize the home’s sculptural, art-like functionalism

Perla is a striking residential project by the architectural studio Stipfold that redefines the luxury villa through fluid, organic forms. Conceived for the coastal landscape of Marbella, Spain, the design is famously inspired by the silhouette of a breaking wave frozen in mid-air, a conceptual gesture that harmonizes the structure with its Mediterranean setting. By departing from traditional box-like geometries, the architects have created a “shape-breaking” residence where the roof and walls merge into a single, continuous white shell, evoking the dynamic energy of the sea.

The villa’s materiality and structural ingenuity are central to its sculptural identity. The exterior is characterized by a sleek, aerodynamic envelope that wraps around the living spaces, providing both shade and architectural drama. Large-scale glazing and expansive sliding glass doors dissolve the boundaries between the interior and exterior, allowing natural light to flood the open-plan layout. This transparency ensures that the sea views remain the focal point of the home, while the cantilevered sections of the roof create deep, protected terraces that facilitate a seamless indoor-outdoor lifestyle.

The interiors of Perla follow the same philosophy of flow and continuity found in its exterior. The heart of the home features a double-height living area that emphasizes the scale and curvature of the overhead structure. High-end finishes and a minimalist color palette complement the complex geometry, ensuring the architecture remains the primary decorative element. With its integrated infinity pool that appears to spill toward the horizon, Stipfold has envisioned a residence that is not just a dwelling, but a functional piece of art that captures the essence of Marbella’s coastal spirit.