We found this abandoned house, in a state of ruin that was already quite advanced. Walls were falling down, the roof was leaking, the structure was weakened by humidity… all negative points but a delightful challenge for our studio! The charisma of the time, the location near the beach, the perfect solar orientation, the sheltered and private patio were characteristics that gave it the potential to become a special property.
The project then focused on a single-family home where, by adjusting the terrain elevation and making use of the roof space, it was possible to increase the area from one habitable floor to two generous floors totalling 250m2, plus a spacious garage for two cars.
As is typical of our work, we prioritised adapting the project to the lifestyle of the family that would live in the house. And in this case, spaciousness, the possibility of socialising with family and friends, the connection to the outdoor garden and pool, the possibility of carrying out different activities at the same time without each family member having to be confined to a space, the expression of relaxation, light and well-being were key points. Hence, the ground floor is developed into a single large area where the living room, dining room, kitchen, a games or music area, an informal work area, a rest area and also the entrance hall coexist. The only closed areas on this floor are a practical storage room, the guest bathroom and the laundry room, located next to the exit to the garage.
The upper floor of the house contains four bedrooms, two of which are suites and the other two share a full bathroom. All of them were designed and decorated specifically for their inhabitants!
The construction was challenging, with the main façade being maintained and everything else being demolished. Then, after the necessary excavation and lowering of the land to incorporate the ground floor, the house was structured in concrete and masonry. All energy saving concerns were taken into account, both in terms of the thermal insulation systems for the walls and roof slab, as well as the choice of window frames and glazing with the appropriate characteristics necessary for rational energy use. The photovoltaic panels and the use of two heat pumps, one for the DHW and the other for heating the water in the outdoor pool, also contribute to this rationality and search for energy savings.
Living in this home results in increased comfort, essentially due to the extreme suitability of the functional program to the family that uses the house, as well as the care taken in the development and planning of the architecture hand in hand with the engineering.
