Architect:
Pablo Serrano Elorduy
Interior Designer:
Blanca Elorduy
Collaborating Architect:
–
Construction Manager:
Abdó Gonzalez
Concrete Structural Engineer:
Óscar Fragó – Estudi d’Arquitectura Codi
Surface Area:
334 sq m
Project Year:
2017-2018
Construction Company:
Obres Prullans / Fustes Sebastia
Photography:
Jordi Anguera Photography
Video:
Elow
The land is located in Cerdanya, in an old village that has been rehabilitated over the last 15 years, which currently consists of 5 houses. The plot is surrounded by a privileged natural environment, with spectacular views of the Cadí Natural Park and the Cerdanya Valley.
The project is conditioned by local regulations, which require the use of traditional materials such as local stone and handmade ceramic tiles for the sloped roofs. The house from Cerdanya seeks to integrate with the environment and the existing houses, using the same materials and basic elements of local construction: stone façade, tile roof, garden, porches, and access through a Cerdanya door. Our challenge was to build a house that, while respecting these traditional elements, offered a current and welcoming atmosphere.
We decided to construct the house with a wooden structure, following a bioclimatic strategy to achieve an efficient and sustainable dwelling. Thus, the project is based on three main materials: stone and ceramic tile, due to regulations, and wood as a structural material. In addition to these, iron is used to resolve joints and design light fixtures that provide order and uniqueness to the interior details.
The land has a significant slope of 20%. Our intention was to build the house on a single level to maximize the connection with the garden. We proposed an access point at street level, with only the foyer and garage at that height, and located the rest of the house 2.6 meters below the street, integrating it into the topography of the land.
The plot, almost square and oriented towards the southeast, allows for an L-shaped layout with two perpendicular wings, generating the day area with the main rooms and the night area with the bedrooms. The stone wall slightly protrudes from the roofs, highlighting the simple shapes predetermined by the plot and creating a unique geometry. The roofs of the two wings converge towards the garden, creating a continuous overhang around the house and a large covered porch at one end. The connecting volume between the two wings has two levels, with a sloping roof towards the exterior, generating a porch for access to the house.
THE ESSENCE OF TRADITION IN EVERY MATERIAL
The project is based on three main materials: stone and ceramic tile, due to regulations, and wood as a structural material. The stone provides a visual and tangible connection with the local architectural tradition, offering durability and a timeless aesthetic. The ceramic tile, in addition to complying with regulations, provides an efficient solution for sloped roofs, ensuring excellent protection against the elements and harmonious integration with the surroundings. Wood, used both in the structure and in the interior cladding, not only enhances the sustainability and energy efficiency of the dwelling but also creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.
In addition to these three materials, iron is included, a versatile element used to resolve structural junctions and as an integral part of the interior design. Iron provides a contemporary and functional aesthetic, allowing for the creation of unique and personalized details. It is used in window frames, roof gutters, and various interior elements such as light fixtures, fireplaces, and stairs. This material not only complements the robustness of the stone and the warmth of the wood but also introduces a contrasting element that enhances the uniqueness and character of the dwelling.
“Reimagining architectural elements with new uses not only enriches the design but also respects tradition.”
FROM TRADITIONAL PROTECTION TO CONNECTION WITH NATURE
In traditional rural architecture, houses tended to close off to the outside as a measure of protection, shielding themselves from the elements and potential intrusions. These buildings, often compact and inward-facing, prioritized safety and isolation from the outside world.
In contrast, this house closes off the main façade towards the street and neighbors to the north to ensure privacy and security, but opens generously towards the garden and the surrounding landscape. This strategic design allows the interior rooms to establish a continuous visual connection with the natural environment, creating a constant sense of immersion in nature. The large windows and open spaces invite natural light to flow inside, providing panoramic views that transform the outdoor landscape into an extension of the home.
MEETING PLACES AND TRADITION
We wanted to maintain the primordial concept of tradition by gathering around the fire as a moment of family togetherness. In this spirit, the large open space of the day area is organized into semi-enclosed rooms through furniture that wraps around the spaces and creates cozy areas typical of the mountains. The sofa around the fire, the bench, the table, and the kitchen island set the rhythm of the different areas, delineating functional spaces within a visually continuous environment. This arrangement not only respects tradition but also offers a warm and immersive experience, ideal for the mountain enviroment.
WOOD AS A PILLAR OF DESIGN AND SUSTAINABILITY
Wood, the protagonist of the interior, lines the walls and ceilings with fir panels, and the flooring is made of natural oak floating parquet, providing aesthetic continuity and a sense of warmth throughout the house. The exterior joinery is made of pine wood with a matte finish, in tones similar to the rest of the wood used in the dwelling, reinforcing visual harmony and coherent design.
The entire structure of walls and roof is made of pine wood, which not only allows for faster and more efficient construction but also provides excellent thermal and acoustic insulation. The choice of wood as the main structural material reinforces our commitment to sustainability and respect for the natural environment.
INDIRECT LIGHTING THROUGH IRON DESIGN
We use iron elements to create indirect lighting that enhances the atmosphere and aesthetics of the spaces. The versatility of iron allows us to design elegant and functional structures that diffuse light softly and evenly, avoiding glare and creating a sense of warmth and comfort.
RELATED PROJECTS
PUIGCERDÀ HOUSE
LA CERDANYA
PRULLANS HOUSE
LA CERDANYA
GUILS HOUSE
LA CERDANYA