Building in Spain works differently than you're used to. We have worked in that system since 2007.
Mediterranean villas on the Costa Blanca, from the design through to the architectural supervision. Architect registered with the COACV/CTAA since 2007.
A studio that knows both worlds
Kantelberg Arquitectos is led by Ben Kantelberg and combines an international design sensibility with knowledge of the Costa Blanca. We work from Jávea with the town halls, the technical departments and the builders of the region, and we are personally involved in every project, from the first ideas through to the building site.
We know the procedure
We have known how the town halls, the technical departments and the building practice of Jávea, Moraira and Benissa work since 2007. That means we know what a town hall expects and in what order, so problems usually come to light in the design rather than at the permit application.
Clear communication in your own language
Close contact and clear language, in your own language. We work in Dutch, Spanish and English, so that the design decisions, the drawings and every stage of the project are easy to follow.
Design, permits and architectural supervision
We develop the design, work it out technically, assist with the permit application and supervise the work on site — together with the technical architect where the regulations call for one.
Registered architect
Colegio Oficial de Arquitectos CTAA-COACV 10934, registered since 2007. For projects that require a visado, the Colegio CTAA-COACV issues it.
New-build and renovation of homes on the Costa Blanca
From first sketch to architectural supervision
Architectural design
A design that fits your wishes, the site, the Mediterranean climate and Spanish regulations.
Technical development
All the documentation required for the permit and for construction.
Permit procedures
We prepare the permit application and follow the process with the town hall. Where the municipality allows it, we work with an ECUV — which can speed up the process.
Architectural supervision
Overseeing the works — within the responsibilities that Spanish law assigns to the architect.
Before you buy a plot
Many plans begin with a plot that still has to be bought. What may be built on it — the floor area, the height, the distance to the boundary — follows from the planning scheme of the municipality, and that differs from one municipality to the next and, within a municipality, from one zone to another. The ground itself sets conditions too: the slope, the access, the position in relation to the sun and the sea. What is possible on a particular plot can be checked before you buy. The study of ownership, charges and boundaries is for your lawyer.
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Kantelberg Arquitectos
Kantelberg Arquitectos designs houses, develops them technically and carries out, as the architect, the supervision of the works, together with the technical architect where the regulations require it. Building from a distance calls for a studio that speaks your language and knows the Spanish system.
For the construction stage we have worked for years with the same engineering firms and technical architects — each in their own role and responsibility.
Ben Kantelberg worked from 1992 to 2005 for architectural, engineering and construction firms in the Netherlands, and has worked from Jávea since 2007.
What clients often ask us
How long have you been active in Spain?
Ben has worked from Jávea since 2007. In that time we have designed homes in Jávea, Moraira, Benissa and the surrounding area, and carried out the architectural supervision.
Do you work with a builder, or do I have to find one myself?
We work in a region with builders we know from experience. We can advise you on the selection, but the choice and the contract always remain with the client.
Do I need to be in Spain during the process?
Not continuously. Many clients live abroad during most of the project. We keep you informed of the progress of the design and the construction.
What is an ECUV, and do you work with one?
An ECUV (Entidad Colaboradora Urbanística) is an independent body recognised by the Generalitat Valenciana that reviews a permit application — technically and in planning terms — before it reaches the town hall. With that certificate, the town hall can process the permit faster. We have experience with this route and assess, for each project and municipality, whether it is worthwhile.
What is the role of the technical architect?
On many projects the regulations require a technical architect alongside the architect. During construction he supervises the quality of the materials and of the execution. He checks what is delivered, has tests carried out where necessary and measures the work carried out for the required certifications. Where a health and safety coordinator has to be appointed, that role is in many cases performed by the technical architect. At the end of the works, the architect and the technical architect sign the certificado final de obra, each from their own role.
What should I look at before I buy a plot?
What may be built on a plot follows from the planning scheme of the municipality, and that can differ from one municipality to the next and, within a municipality, from one zone to another. The ground itself plays a part too: the slope, the access and the orientation. The study of ownership, charges and boundaries is for your lawyer. If you have a plot in mind and have not bought it yet, you are welcome to get in touch before the purchase.
Planning to build on the Costa Blanca?
We would like to hear what you have in mind, and look at what is possible.
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