House 108 / H Arquitectes

Architects

H Arquitectes - David Lorente, Josep Ricart, Xavier Ros, Roger Tudó
Location

Santa Cristina d'Aro, Spain
Collaborator

Felip Toledo, Technical Architect
Client

Steven Hind and Beatriz Escolano
Budget

154,000 EURO (US $243,000)
Area

109.0 m2
Project Year

2005

Text description provided by the architects. Although located in one of the most untouched areas of the Costa Brava, Rosamar housing development is characterized by a mix of different constructions and auto-constructions of a low architectural interest and a large impact on the landscape.

As a response to that situation, this project looks to respect the natural environment on this strongly slopped plot with dense Mediterranean vegetation. We tried to modify as little as possible the environment by building the house on a slope, and thus reducing the land movements, foundation and generation of waste products. We also have maintained the vegetation in order to not lose the current shaded and cool ambience as well as a sensible design of the exterior elements - wooden stairs following the natural slope and a minimal perimeter fence.

Through this section's adaptation to the original topographical profile, we were able to connect each of the interior ambiances with the garden through wide regular openings that fuses the exterior with the interior; it assures permanent natural light, allows cross-ventilation and multiplies the control options of interior comfort. At the same time, its growing sloped geometry towards the south facilitates the renovation of hot air through the superior façade, and the capturing of new fresh air thorough the inferior one, towards the north.

All of the openings have three fencing levels: adjustable shutters that guarantee sun protection in the summer and captures the sun's radiation in the winter, a mosquito net which allows ventilation and protects from the insects, and finally, interior aluminum carpentry with a thermal bridge break and double glass with an interior chamber. The three panes are sliding and they can be hidden within the ventilated chamber of the façade, therefore obtaining complete openings on the construction which intensify the relationship with the environment and the perception of the walls.

The façade is built with ventilated double panes and an interior bearing wall. Hence we improved the insulation, the thermal inertia and air tightness; we minimized the thermal bridges and the possible condensations and avoided cracks due to the cross of the façade's vertical plane with the suspended floor and the roof plane. It even allowed us to reduce the light in order to cover it with self-supporting main beams that didn't need formwork.

The southern façade, with more sun exposure, has a natural shade: deciduous climbing plants protect it from the sun's direct radiation in the summer and allows the sun to enter in the winter.

The roof has little sun exposure because it faces the north and is protected with vegetation. It is finished with zinc over a waterproof board with a ventilated chamber and interior insulation. The concrete pavements work as thermal storage through direct radiation and greenhouse effect, giving the building a selective inertia depending on the solar protection system used.

As a result, we have a second residence with a calculated program, with the minimal cost in meters, the maximum compactness, easy construction and minimal energetic investment at work and in the maintenance. And furthermore... has completely satisfied the developer.