If you’re thinking about building a villa in Marbella or the surrounding area, the first thing I’ll say is: congratulations. You’re holding a blank canvas full of possibilities. But also—if you don’t approach it properly—full of decisions that may come back to haunt you. Because a poorly oriented villa is like a badly told story: no matter how much money you pour into it, something always feels off.
Yes, we’re talking about sunlight, sea views, privacy, cross ventilation… all those things that seem “natural” but don’t just happen. They’re achieved. They’re designed. They’re planned with intention.
And while it might sound dramatic, it’s not: villa orientation is one of those things that you either solve from day one, or it becomes very (very) difficult to fix later. So, if you’re in the decision-making phase, stay with me. I’ll explain it clearly—no fluff.
It’s not just about the sun. It’s about how you live every day
Some people think “south-facing” is a kind of wildcard, a cure-all. That anything facing south is better. But it’s not that simple. Good orientation isn’t just about knowing where the sun rises; it’s about how that sunlight affects your home—inside—both in winter and summer. How it floods your kitchen during breakfast. How it lights the living room while you’re reading. Or how it reflects off the pool water at sunset when you’re entertaining friends.
Same goes for views. Just having the sea in the distance doesn’t guarantee sea views. Sometimes you need to raise the house by half a meter. Or move a window 40 centimeters. Or rotate the main volume a few degrees. It’s architecture, yes—but it’s also sensitivity. That’s what this is all about.
What you’re going to discover (and thank yourself for later)
This isn’t about blueprints or renders. It’s about avoiding silly mistakes and living better. Let’s explore together:
- What solar orientation best fits your lifestyle.
- What to do when you have sea views… and close neighbors.
- Why a well-planned cross breeze is worth more than two air conditioners.
- How light and shadow are studied long before laying the first stone.
- When to say “I want to see this from here” and make it happen through design.
I’ll also share real stories. Situations we’ve experienced with clients (no names, of course) that help clarify what to do—and what to avoid.
And if you’re left with questions, we have a dedicated section where we answer the most common ones: Frequently Asked Questions about Villas.
Sun, Shade, and Orientation: What They Don’t Tell You Until It’s Too Late
South-facing? Yes… but not always
A south-facing orientation on the Costa del Sol is usually a good choice. But if the sun hits you straight in the face from 2 to 9 p.m. in August, you might want to rethink placing the pool right next to the living room. Or you might realize that pergola wasn’t “decorative”—it was essential.
We’ve had clients who wanted the kitchen facing south, dreaming of sunny breakfasts. Then came July… and they avoided the kitchen entirely. The result? Extra work to move the island and swapping the windows for solar-control glass.
The east: the gentle wake-up call
East-facing orientation has a special charm: soft morning light. Perfect for bedrooms. Waking up with the sea glowing in the morning, without intense heat. We’ve designed villas where waking up was part of the experience: open the curtains and see the Mediterranean mist roll in.
The west: the rebel you need to tame
Want breathtaking sunsets? Great—but be careful. The afternoon sun heats more than you’d expect. This can be solved this with adjustable facade slats. They open at sunset, keeping the interior cool. It’s not just about glass walls.
Views aren’t improvised—they’re designed
It’s not just what you see. It’s how you frame it
Having the sea in front of you but not seeing it from your sofa? That’s a modern tragedy. It’s happened to some. But we’ve also fixed it.
A couple bought a plot with beautiful views. When they came to us with their initial plans, the living room faced north and the main terrace looked sideways—with almost no view. We showed them drone footage and simulated what would happen if we rotated the floor plan 15 degrees. Not only did they gain better views—they also improved ventilation. Architecture is geometry in motion.
And what if you have close neighbors?
Privacy and views don’t have to be enemies. You can orient main spaces toward the sea and use screens, landscaping, or low walls to filter without blocking. In Elviria, we built a raised pool with a low stone wall. From inside, you saw the horizon. From outside, nothing at all.
How we solve it—step by step
1. Solar and terrain analysis
No improvisation. We run solar simulations using specialized software to study shadows, light paths, and temperatures. We also study the topography: what views exist at each elevation point.
2. Zoning based on usage
Bedrooms to the east. Daytime areas to the south or southwest. Service zones to the north. But we stay flexible—every family lives differently. There are no rigid formulas.
3. Windows that tell a story
It’s not about adding glass. It’s about deciding where you want to see the sea from—and designing so that you actually do. Structural frames, screens, patios with scenic backdrops… it all counts.
4. Purpose-driven landscaping
Vegetation can block, cool, or frame. We use deciduous trees, green walls, or vegetated pergolas—not to decorate, but to improve quality of life.
Why this matters so much: because it adds real value to your villa
A well-oriented villa with thoughtfully designed views doesn’t just feel better. It sells better. It’s more efficient, more visually appealing, and more emotionally engaging. That translates into real value.
In areas like Sierra Blanca, carefully planned orientation with sea views can raise market value by 20% to 40% compared to a similar villa with poor layout. And that’s without factoring in the energy savings.
But beyond numbers, it’s about your lifestyle. Because that sunset terrace… is priceless.
Got questions? Here are some honest answers
Should all villas face south?
Not always. It depends on the climate, intended use, views, wind patterns… What works on one plot might not work on another.
What if my villa is already built?
There’s always room for improvement: opening new views, adding pergolas, reconfiguring layouts, planting strategically… Not all is lost.
How much does good orientation affect energy use?
A lot. Properly oriented homes can use up to 30% less energy for climate control annually. And you’ll notice it.
Make the right decision from the very beginning
Orientation and views aren’t a bonus—they’re the foundation. Get them right from day one and everything else fits better: light, comfort, efficiency, aesthetics… and your daily life.
At The Villas Architect, we’ve been refining these elements for years. Because we know a villa is more than just square meters—it’s how you live inside, and how it looks from the outside.
If you have questions, we’re here to listen. If you own a plot, we’ll study it with you. And if you already have a villa but something doesn’t feel right… there are solutions.
What matters is learning to look at things differently. Because sometimes, to improve a villa, all you need is a new angle.
