X House is an X-shaped house built into the side of a steep hill on the outskirts of Barcelona, Spain. Designed by Cadaval & Solà-Morales, the 2-story residence was designed around several site restraints and desires of the homeowners like wanting to maximize the views of the sea and the mountains on opposite sides, needing access to the house from the street, and saving a pine tree that was at the top of the lot.

The unusual shape solved all of the previously mentioned obstacles, while also helping to maintain privacy from the neighbors.

Windows really open the house up where privacy is not a concern and solid walls with minimal openings are built close to the street and on the sides with neighboring homes close by.

This part of the facade is covered in windows giving both floors views in all directions.

The house overlooks the pool, which is built lower down the hill. The house also incorporates a outdoor balcony to allow the homeowners to enjoy the view.

The interior of the house is built around the sweeping city views, making the outdoors the artwork of the home.

While mostly black and white on the inside, they do throw in a bit of color like this red rug.

The profile of the house is almost invisible from the street but you can still see the massive rooftop patio that sits atop the residence.

Photos by Sandra Pereznieto, Iwan Baan, and Santiago Garces.