Engel & Völkers Development Services: Energy Efficient Luxury

As a luxury real estate brand, we promise first-class service to our clients, ensuring they receive the same exceptional treatment no matter where they are in the world. We also offer exclusive services to meet the needs of our clients. Our Development Services group specializes in new construction and supports clients with their residential and commercial projects through every step of the process, helping to design and execute tailored solutions for their specific needs. This month, we are proud to feature Mijas Costa, eight semi-detached villas located in Mijas in an idyllic environment between the beach and the mountains in Andalusia, Spain.

Located at an elevation of 428 meters above the Costa del Sol, the municipality of Mijas stands as a jewel of the Malaga province. Renowned for its pastel-colored architecture, beautiful beaches, and world-class golf courses, Mijas offers a unique blend of mountains, forests, and the sea. Engel & Völkers’ visionary development project is rooted in this location, fusing luxury living with an energy-efficient design.

With an average annual temperature of 18°C, Mijas provides the ideal temperate climate for European visitors seeking a calming retreat and homebuyers seeking vacation and year-round homes. Sitting 30 km from Malaga and 25 km from Marbella, the project’s eight semi-detached villas seamlessly integrate high-end living, contemporary architectural design, and best-practice principles in energy-efficient active and passive building systems— a few of which we will highlight in this blog.

First, the property has achieved an A rating in its energy efficiency class. This accomplishment is attributed to a range of innovative measures, including the implementation of LED lighting, the incorporation of energy-efficient active heating and cooling building systems, and building materials with low embodied energy. By embracing cutting-edge technologies and design strategies, the development sets a high standard for energy efficiency, surpassing the world-class energy codes already mainstream in many European new development standards.

One of the key aspects that sets the Mijas Costa property apart from others is its unique utilization of natural lighting – a key passive design feature of the home. The design incorporates large windows and open spaces, ensuring that natural light floods the interior spaces. Moreover, the property has the potential to employ energy-efficient glass that reduces heat gain, striking a balance between illumination and controlled thermal impact.

The property also integrates strategic landscaping techniques centered around indigenous planting. This choice not only cultivates an aesthetic that resonates with the region’s natural beauty but also plays a vital role in reducing water consumption. By opting for drought-resistant native plants, the property mitigates its environmental impact. Additionally, these landscaping choices are designed to offer shading to the property, acting as a natural buffer against additional heat gain. This approach underscores the property’s dedication to combining luxury with responsible resource management.

The final energy efficient design strategy is perhaps the simplest, the unit exteriors are painted in a white hue. This design choice capitalizes on surface reflectivity, known as high albedo, to minimize solar heat gain and embraces a design strategy that respects the area’s architectural heritage (which used this painting technique for the same purposes). Between this integration of energy efficiency design techniques and subtle nods to architectural traditions, the property serves as a great example of how modern luxury can be integrated into the existing landscape while minimizing its environmental impact.

With a focus on energy efficiency, natural light optimization, and coexistence with the region’s cultural and natural essence, these villas redefine the concept of high-end living.

Currently, the development’s 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom homes start at $1.254 million USD.

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