The house is a combination and reinterpretation of formal and constructive models of traditional architecture of northern Spain. It is a contemporary review of vernacular architecture typologies (granary and terrace, use of wood in structure and closing).
Architects’ Statement:
Location which adapts to climate conditions and respects the wooded area. It minimizes the impact on the landscape, the construction detaches itself from the ground and it is only supported at four points. The original slope is maintained, the natural green cover of the ground passes below the house without any interference.
Mixed structure of steel and wood that can be dismantled and recycled. Reversibility of architecture.
The enclosure is solved by combining two types of wood (North Pine and Douglas Pine) with two different widths. Random combination of elements that make up the house in the landscape as the bark of a new tree. Building that blends with nature.
Orientation and geometry adapted to surrounding climate conditions, designed without the need of heating or cooling.
We believe in a double height space and fully glazed south-facing façade, replacing a conventional system of timber louvers as solar obstruction by a studied system of ventilation and openings in different orientations acting as hygrothermal regulator, an answer to the microclimate of the place.
Greater surface of facades almost blind to avoid thermal losses. Ventilation windows in all orientations. Crossed ventilation of all the spaces.
The north facade is protected by a previous space and a lattice windbreak.
The double height space is not conceived with spatial or compositional purposes, it is a device for regulating fundamental bioclimatic thermal performance of the house. It acts as a focal point temperature controller.
Compact space, optimization of the shape factor.
Functional flexibility, housing is transformable and seasonably changeable (the ground floor integrates distinct uses within a unique space that can be configured in different ways; the floor above can be transformed from one bedroom into two or three).
Project Details:
Location: Ranón, Asturias, Spain
Type: Residential – Houses
Client: Alejandro Ribot
Architects: Ecosistema Urbano Architects
Team: Belinda Tato, Jose Luis Vallejo, Jorge Lobos, Patricia Arroyo, Silvia Sanchez
Photographs: Emilio P. Doiztua
