Welcome.
Welcome to christianzerbst dipl.ing. arquitecto Altea.
Architecture begins with a feeling.
Let's turn it into something extraordinary.
A house becomes a home the moment it feels exactly right.
That's what we call Happiness Architecture.
Christian Zerbst
Architect
Happiness Architecture.
An exceptional home should make an impression.
Generous spaces, breathtaking views, timeless architecture and uncompromising quality
are never at odds with the idea of home. To us, they are where it begins.
Our work starts where architecture becomes personal.
Where every decision has a purpose. Where exclusivity is never an end in itself,
but the foundation for a home that reflects the people who live in it.
For more than twenty years, we've designed homes to be admired, lived in and loved.
That's what Happiness Architecture means to us.
Every project begins somewhere.
Sometimes with a clear vision.
Sometimes with a place, a feeling, or the desire to create something entirely your own.
And sometimes simply with the curiosity to discover how we think about architecture.
Whether you're exploring your first ideas or already planning your future home,
we're delighted you've found your way to us.
Browse a selection of our projects and discover our approach to architecture.
Meet the architect and learn more about the philosophy behind our work.
Explore practical insights and useful information about building in Spain.
Or simply get in touch if your ideas are already beginning to take shape.
There is no single path. Only yours.
Welcome to where it begins.
Projects About us Good to know Contact
Selected Projects
Every project begins with a different vision.
The homes below reflect the individuality of the people who inspired them, while offering a glimpse into our work and our approach to architecture.
In real life, of course, we don't hand over half-finished projects to you, but our website is currently being completely redesigned and modernised,
and our project portfolio is gradually being translated, expanded and its content revised. Thank you for your patience.
- All
- New Homes
- Renovations
- Special Projects
Why Clients Trust Us
The finest homes are created where experience, personal dedication and lasting trust come together.Built on Trust.
Building a home in another country is an exciting experience — and one that deserves complete peace of mind. That's why choosing the right architect means more than finding someone with creative vision. It means working with a professional who understands every legal, technical and administrative aspect of the process.
As a registered architect and member of the Official Colleges of Architects of both the Region of Valencia and the Province of Alicante, we are fully qualified to design, manage and oversee your project in accordance with Spanish regulations.
That allows you to focus on the enjoyable parts of creating your new home, confident that everything behind the scenes is in safe hands.
One Vision. One Trusted Partner.
Every home begins with a vision. From the very first sketch to the moment you receive the keys, we guide you through every stage of the journey with a commitment to quality, transparency and a seamless process.
We coordinate every detail, bringing together architects, engineers, authorities and contractors to ensure that each part contributes to a coherent whole. Supported by a trusted network of long-standing partners, we create the foundation for a smooth, personal and carefully managed project.
For you, this means one trusted partner from beginning to end—allowing you to focus on the excitement of creating your future home while we take care of everything else.
Here Today. Here Tomorrow.
We live and work in the very place that so many of our clients have chosen to call home.
Being close by isn't simply a matter of distance—it's part of the way we work. From the first meeting to the final handover and well beyond, we're never far away whenever we're needed.
A home is built to last for generations, and we believe the relationship with your architect should be just as enduring. That's why we see our work not as a completed commission, but as a long-term commitment to the people who place their trust in us.
Meet Your Architect
- Christian Zerbst began his architectural studies at the Technical University of Braunschweig in 1995.
- From an early stage, his professional ambitions were firmly set on Spain. While still at university, he spent two formative years at the Universitat Politècnica de València, where he not only broadened his architectural education but also made the decision to build his professional future in Spain. Further academic and professional experience followed at the University of Burgos and in several Spanish architectural practices.
- After graduating in 2002, Christian joined an architectural practice in Ibiza specialising in the design of exclusive private residences. During this period, his German degree was officially recognised in Spain, followed by his admission as a registered Architect (Arquitecto) in 2003.
- Since 2006, Christian has been working as an independent architect based in Altea, where he and his team design and realise tailored homes along the Costa Blanca. More than twenty years after first coming to Spain as a student, he continues to combine German precision with a deep understanding of Spanish architecture, culture and building practice.
Good to Know
Building in Spain naturally involves a number of legal and practical considerations.
Here you’ll find a clear overview of the most important aspects, helping you gain a solid understanding in the early stages of your project.
Key Terms
If you are building in Spain for the first time, you will soon come across terms that may not be familiar.
Our glossary explains the most important concepts related to planning, permits and construction, helping you understand the different stages of your project. Rather than being listed alphabetically, the terms are arranged in the order in which they typically arise during a building project.
Who is involved in your project?
Every successful home is the result of many people working together. While we guide you through every stage as your architect, a carefully coordinated team of specialists contributes their expertise to bring your project to life.
Here you will find an overview of the key professionals involved and the role each of them plays in the process.
Building Regulations and Project Parameters
Every building project is shaped not only by ideas and design, but also by the planning framework that defines what is possible.
This overview introduces key terms and parameters related to building in Spain, helping you understand the potential of a plot and make informed decisions at an early stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can’t find what you’re looking for? If your question isn’t covered here, we’re happy to take the time to speak with you personally.
How much does an architect cost?
Every home is as individual as the people who build it, and so are the requirements and expectations of each project. For this reason, we prepare a tailored proposal for every commission, based on your ideas and the scope of services required.
Agreed fixed fees at an early stage provide transparency and create a reliable basis for planning together.
We are happy to take the time for an initial, non-binding conversation and look forward to learning more about your project.
What services do you offer?
From the first sketches through to the handover of the finished home, we support you with a full range of architectural services throughout your project.
Whether it is a new build, a complex renovation, or the extension of an existing property, we guide you through the entire process as your dedicated architect.
Early 3D visualisations allow you to experience your future home in a realistic and tangible way from the very beginning. In addition, we also take care of existing building documentation as well as the preparation of official certificates and energy performance certificates.
Can I commission a survey or valuation report from you?
No. Our practice focuses on the design and realisation of architectural projects. As a result, we do not undertake damage assessments or property valuations.
Do I need to be in Spain?
No. Many of our clients live outside Spain during both the design and construction phases. For us, this is not an exception, but part of everyday practice.
Our process is designed to manage projects reliably and personally, regardless of location. Through modern communication tools, you remain closely involved in every decision — with the same clarity, transparency and confidence as if you were present on site.
And of course, whenever you are in Spain, we always welcome the opportunity for in-person meetings, whether on the construction site or at our office.
Where do you work?
Based in Altea, we work within a deliberately defined regional area along the Costa Blanca.
This includes, among others, El Campello, Villajoyosa, Benidorm, Alfaz, Altea, La Nucía, Jalón, Polop, Calpe, Benissa, Moraira, Teulada, Jávea and Dénia.
This regional focus allows us to support each project with the necessary proximity, presence and continuity — from the initial design phase through to completion.
For this reason, we focus exclusively on projects within this area, as our working method is based on close, continuous and personal involvement throughout the entire process.
Do you also broker or sell properties?
No. Our focus lies exclusively on architecture and the realisation of building projects.
If you are still at an early stage, we are happy to support you in an advisory capacity — for example by assessing building possibilities or providing an initial planning and regulatory review of suitable plots, based on the available documentation and information.
This allows you to gain early clarity and establish a solid foundation for your next steps.
How can I arrange an appointment?
Appointments can usually be arranged quickly and without complexity. This flexibility is part of our way of working, which is deliberately based on regional presence and personal support.
Long-term advance scheduling is generally not required. You are welcome to contact us by phone, email or WhatsApp™ once your stay in Spain becomes more concrete or as soon as you are on site.
We will then arrange a suitable time for a personal meeting at short notice — either at our office or directly on your property.
Contact
If an idea is meant to become a home, we look forward to hearing from you.
Address
Christian Zerbst
Camino Viejo de Alicante 25
03590 Altea
España
We kindly ask you to arrange an appointment before your visit so that we can dedicate the necessary time to you.
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