Modern One-Floor Villa Design: Ideas for a Stylish and Functional Home

Picture this: a sleek, open-concept home where every room flows effortlessly into the next, bathed in natural light, with wide glass doors opening to a sun-drenched terrace. No stairs, no wasted space—just pure, functional elegance. That’s the magic of a modern villa design one floor.

If you’re dreaming of a home that combines contemporary aesthetics with practical living, a single-floor villa might be your perfect match. Whether you’re planning a retirement retreat, a family-friendly space, or a minimalist haven, this guide will walk you through the key elements that make modern villa house design so appealing—and how to make it work for you.

Why Choose a One-Floor Modern Villa?

Single-floor living isn’t just about accessibility — it’s about simplicity, flow, and a deeper connection to the outdoors. It’s a way of living that feels grounded, spacious, and thoughtfully designed. More and more homeowners are opting for this layout, and here’s why:

✅ Effortless Living – No stairs mean easy movement between spaces, which is ideal for families with young children, people who want to age in place, or anyone seeking a more relaxed and fluid lifestyle. Everything is within reach — no running up and down with laundry baskets or worrying about accessibility for guests.

✅ Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living – With everything on a single level, it’s easier than ever to create wide-open layouts that completely blur the line between inside and outside. Imagine sliding doors that disappear into walls, leading to a covered terrace or a sunken garden lounge. Your outdoor space becomes part of your living room — perfect for Mediterranean climates or anywhere where outdoor living matters.

✅ Lower Construction Costs – Without the need for staircases, structural reinforcements, or vertical plumbing stacks, a one-floor villa is typically more straightforward to build. That doesn’t mean compromising on quality — you can still have high-end finishes, smart technology, and beautiful materials. But from a structural standpoint, the simplicity often means lower build costs and shorter timelines.

✅ Better Energy Efficiency – Heating or cooling a single-floor home is more energy-efficient. Air doesn’t rise away from living areas, and you have more control over insulation and airflow. You’ll likely see lower utility bills and a smaller environmental footprint, especially if paired with smart home systems or solar panels.

But here’s the catch — how do you make sure your modern villa design one floor doesn’t feel boxy, flat, or uninspired?

Let’s dive into the smartest design strategies that bring elegance, personality, and a bold sense of modernity to the one-level lifestyle. Because done right, your villa won’t just be functional — it’ll be unforgettable.

Key Elements of a Stunning One-Floor Modern Villa

1. Open-Plan Living: The Heart of the Home

Gone are the days of cramped, segmented rooms. A modern villa house design thrives on open spaces where the kitchen, dining, and living areas flow together. Think:
✔ A central kitchen island that doubles as a breakfast bar and social hub
✔ Floor-to-ceiling glass walls that bring the garden inside
✔ Minimalist built-in storage to keep clutter out of sight

Example: We designed a villa in Marbella where the living room seamlessly extended into a shaded patio—perfect for entertaining.

2. Smart Zoning for Privacy & Function

Even in an open layout, you need defined spaces. Clever tricks include:
✔ Split-bedroom layouts (master suite on one side, guest rooms on the other)
✔ Partial walls or sliding panels to create flexible rooms
✔ Sunken living areas for subtle separation without walls

3. Indoor-Outdoor Harmony

In Spain’s climate, outdoor living is a must. Your modern villa design one floor should include:
✔ Expansive terraces with lounge and dining areas
✔ Infinity or plunge pools that visually extend the living space
✔ Pocket sliding doors that disappear when fully open

4. Minimalist Yet Warm Materials

A modern minimalist house design (even if not two floors) balances clean lines with texture:
✔ Polished concrete floors with underfloor heating
✔ Natural wood accents (ceiling beams, cabinetry)
✔ Neutral tones (whites, greys, warm beiges) with bold art or greenery for contrast

5. Smart Home Integration

A truly modern villa house design includes tech that simplifies life:
✔ Automated lighting and climate control
✔ Hidden wiring and built-in charging stations
✔ Security systems with discreet cameras

Cost Considerations: What to Budget For

Wondering how much a modern villa design one floor might cost? It’s a smart question — and one that deserves more than a vague answer. The truth is, costs can vary quite a bit depending on several key factors. Here’s what really drives the price of your dream villa:

📍 Location – Where you choose to build in Spain matters a lot. Coastal areas like Costa del Sol or Costa Blanca tend to have higher land prices, along with stricter building regulations and potentially higher labor costs. In contrast, inland regions may offer more affordable plots and construction, but could come with trade-offs in accessibility or sea views.

📏 Size – The overall footprint of your home is one of the most obvious cost indicators. A comfortable modern one-floor villa is often between 150 to 300 square meters, especially if you’re planning for three bedrooms, two bathrooms, open-plan living, and outdoor features like a terrace or pool. Naturally, the larger the home, the higher the cost — but smart design can make a smaller villa feel expansive.

🛠️ Materials & Finishes – This is where the style (and budget) really starts to show. Going for luxury finishes like natural stone flooring, marble countertops, custom cabinetry, or smart glass will raise the overall cost, but also elevate the feel of the space. High-quality insulation, energy-efficient windows, and smart home tech are all worthwhile investments in both comfort and long-term savings.

Want the numbers? For a realistic look at pricing — including land costs, construction, permits, and extras — check out our detailed guide:
👉 How Much Does It Cost to Build a House in Spain?

It breaks things down in a clear, approachable way so you can plan with confidence — whether you’re still daydreaming or already scouting land.

One-Floor vs. Two-Floor: Which Is Right for You?

While we’re focusing on modern villa design one floor, some clients prefer a modern minimalist house design 2 floor for:
✔ More Privacy – If you love the idea of separating social and private zones, a two-floor layout offers clear boundaries. Bedrooms can be tucked away upstairs, providing a peaceful retreat away from the buzz of daily life downstairs.

✔ Better Views – For hillside or coastal plots, elevation is everything. A second floor can offer uninterrupted views of the sea, mountains, or skyline — something a one-floor home might miss, depending on surrounding structures and landscape.

✔ Smaller Footprint – On compact or narrow plots, a two-level design allows you to build up instead of out, preserving outdoor space for gardens, patios, or pools. It’s a smart way to maximize space without sacrificing function.

But single-floor homes win for:
✔ Accessibility – The simplicity of no stairs is a game-changer. Whether you’re planning to age in place, hosting guests with mobility needs, or simply enjoy easy flow between rooms, a one-level design is hard to beat.

✔ Stronger Indoor-Outdoor Connection – With everything on one level, your villa can open up seamlessly to terraces, gardens, and courtyards. This connection to nature isn’t just aesthetic — it enhances wellbeing and makes daily life feel more relaxed.

✔ Easier Maintenance – Let’s be honest: fewer stairs, no upper-level windows, and no second floor to clean or repair means less upkeep and lower long-term maintenance costs. It’s a more grounded, low-effort lifestyle that still delivers luxury and style.

Real-Life Inspiration: 3 Stunning One-Floor Villas

1. The Andalusian Courtyard Villa

• A fresh take on a centuries-old tradition, this villa blends classic southern Spanish elements with modern simplicity — the result is warm, serene, and unmistakably stylish.

• Central open-air courtyard with a gurgling fountain, surrounded by breezy walkways and soft landscaping. This becomes the emotional heart of the home — a quiet place to read, reflect, or host intimate gatherings under the stars.
• Whitewashed walls offer a bright, clean look while reflecting sunlight and keeping interiors cool — perfect for southern Spain’s climate.
• Minimalist arched doorways soften the geometry, giving nods to Andalusian heritage while maintaining a modern silhouette.
• Private garden niches outside every bedroom — no shared balconies or corridors. Just you, a lounge chair, and birdsong.

This design is ideal for those who want a quiet sanctuary that honors regional tradition while living firmly in the present.

2. The Costa Blanca Glass Pavilion

Sleek, open, and dramatic — this villa is a celebration of light, sea views, and clean lines, built for the coastline and lovers of modernism.

• 360° glass walls surround the main living space, offering uninterrupted views of the sea, sky, and landscape. The structure is minimal, allowing nature to be the star.
• Automated shades and smart glass provide privacy and climate control with a single touch. You decide when to close off and when to open up.
• Flat roof with integrated solar panels — a sustainable solution that blends into the architecture seamlessly.
• An indoor-outdoor pool runs along the south edge of the home, half-covered by the structure and half-open to the sun, blurring boundaries between inside and out.

Perfect for those seeking a bold architectural statement — a villa that feels more like living inside a floating modern sculpture.

3. The Mallorcan Farmhouse Redux

Old soul, new spirit. This design reimagines the rustic charm of rural Mallorca through the lens of contemporary architecture — warm, textural, and unexpectedly sleek.

• Traditional stone exterior sourced locally — it looks timeless, but is thermally efficient and weather-resistant.
• Step inside, and you’re met with an ultra-modern interior: polished concrete floors, oversized pivot doors, and bespoke furniture that plays with geometry and light.
• A hidden kitchen sits quietly behind floor-to-ceiling walnut panels, creating a seamless flow through the dining and living spaces. No clutter, no noise — just clean, tactile beauty.
• Yes, even on a one-floor villa: a rooftop terrace with an outdoor kitchen and chill-out lounge. Accessible via a sculptural staircase or hidden elevator, this space becomes your sunset headquarters.

This one’s for those who want the best of both worlds — the rugged charm of a country estate with the polish of a design magazine spread.

Ready to Design Your Dream One-Floor Villa?

At Artema Arquitectos, we specialize in modern villa house design that’s as intelligent as it is beautiful. Our philosophy goes beyond just drawing plans — we design homes that reflect your lifestyle, support your routines, and stand the test of time. Every project we take on is grounded in three core pillars: aesthetic clarity, functional flow, and long-term sustainability.

Whether you’re dreaming of a sleek, modern minimalist retreat nestled in nature or a warm, family-friendly home with open-plan living and strong indoor-outdoor connections, our team is here to bring your vision to life.

And we make the process feel seamless. That’s the benefit of working with a team that knows the local regulations, understands design at a deep level, and takes your ideas seriously. We’re not just building houses — we’re creating homes that inspire calm, creativity, and comfort.

If you’re ready to explore what a well-designed modern one-floor villa could look like for you, let’s start the conversation.
👉 Contact us and let’s make something extraordinary together.