Inhabited shadow

Located next to the Sotogrande golf course, this house was designed to dwell inside the shadow, in-between the ground plane and the flat roof that hovers above. This generous cantilever not only provides shelter from the intense sun of Cadiz but also offers protection against the heavy rainfall arriving from the nearby Grazalema mountain range, the region with the highest precipitation in the Iberian Peninsula.

 

Design Philosophy

The design establishes four distinct architectural boundaries that define the spatial experience of the house. Below, the ground plane receives the imprint of the shadow. Above, the roof slab is designed with a water surface, functioning both as an aesthetic and a bioclimatic element. Peripherally, a continuous floor-to-ceiling glass façade allows for efficient climate control within the interior while maintaining unobstructed views and seamless movement towards the landscape. Finally, the inner core features a wooden volume that ensures the necessary privacy for the rooms while introducing warmth throughout the space.

 

 

Functional Layout

Access to the house is from the upper street, a strategic point that offers a privileged view of the landscape and the water surface on the roof -an unexpected feature that provides thermal and acoustic insulation. The water layer absorbs heat during the day and gradually releases it at night, reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling.

The roof and ground planes are subtly displaced to create a covered entrance leading to the main access, parallel to an infinity pool that extends towards the golf course. Internally, the program is organized around a central circulation core, which also incorporates skylights that bring natural light into the central spaces and guide movement towards the rooftop water surface.

 

 

Materials & Furniture

One of the primary design requirements was the use of materials that compose a warm color palette. As a result, the entire ground surface -both indoors and outdoors is clad in large-format off-white ceramic slabs, harmonizing with the wooden finishes of the core and the free-standing walls that define different interior areas. The furniture is dominated by natural wood and textured white fabrics, while linear warm white lighting highlights the overall composition.

Throughout the day, sunlight washes across textured surfaces and natural materials, accentuating depth and shadow while reinforcing the continuity between interior and exterior spaces. During the evening, a carefully composed artificial lighting scheme takes over through discreet, indirect fixtures integrated into ceilings, walls and architectural details. Warm, low-intensity lighting highlights key spatial elements and circulation paths while maintaining a soft ambient glow that preserves the serene character of the residence, allowing the architecture and material palette to remain the focal point of the spatial experience.

The design aims to minimize the building’s footprint on the environment, creating a living experience within the shaded zone defined between the two primary planes. Through a simple architectural gesture, the house orchestrates an experience with a strong identity and a timeless character.

 

Contact with nature

The project involves a building comprising two independent residences, located in a quiet street of Filothei, in Athens, overlooking Drossopoulou Park.

 

Residential scenario

Suburban living requires contact with nature. The study aims to design the two residences while maintaining contact with the sun, the view, the land, and the greenery. This contact is perceived as two independent strategies: on the one hand, direct tactile contact with natural elements and on the other hand, visual contact, views and association with landmarks.

 

Structure of the volumes and orientation

The 170m² ground-floor residence is configured with a constant reference to the garden, which is delimited by tall planting and the linear swimming pool in direct relation to the leisure areas. The first-floor residence, 190m² in area, with a double-height living room and mezzanine, is structured within a porous rectangular prism that encloses its outdoor spaces. The open zone of these spaces functions as an elevated garden for the upper floor residence and orientates it towards the open views to the southwest.

 

Entrance and common area

The entrance to the residences is on the north side of the plot, through a covered ramp leading to the centre of the building, where the communal staircase is located. A free-standing wall along the entrance path up to the fence marks and delimits the communal entrance from the garden of the ground floor residence.

 

Transparency and shading elements

The residences are configured with extensive glass surfaces in the leisure areas, which ensure uninterrupted continuity and communication between enclosed, semi-outdoor and outdoor spaces. In addition, movable shading elements, vertical and horizontal, regulate light, visuals and transparency.

Compact Volume

Location and Conceptual Framework

Situated in the suburban zone of Athens, at the base of Mount Hymettus, the 92m² residence is a testament to bioclimatic architecture and efficient space utilization. The design seamlessly integrates the characteristics of the location, a bioclimatic approach, and the functional needs of a six-member family.

 

Structural Composition and Spatial Organization

The residence’s architecture revolves around a monolithic volume, thoughtfully crafted both externally and internally. The spatial organization within this solid structure adheres to the static framework. A “T” configuration, defined by two load-bearing beams, cleverly distributes the living room, dining area, kitchen, staircase, and bedrooms to different sides. The choice of materials for the visible beams of the “T” accentuates the distinction between private and shared spaces.

 

Unveiling the Structural System

While the building exudes a sense of monolithicity, there are strategic interruptions that reveal the structural system. Examples include the projecting beam at the entrance and the balcony of the upper floor. These carefully placed interruptions, along with a corner window, add visual interest to the solid volume.

 

Double-Height Living Space: Connecting Indoors and Outdoors

A pivotal design element is the creation of a double-height living space on two levels, incorporating a mezzanine, dining area, and kitchen. This design choice establishes a strong visual and functional connection with the outdoors, extending the activities of the ground floor into the open and planted area of the plot.

 

Private and Communal Areas

The limited footprint is strategically utilized to create private relaxation spaces that are separated from communal areas on the same level and on the upper floor. This spatial arrangement is achieved through a cantilevered staircase, providing distinct zones for various activities.

 

Bioclimatic Design Principles

The architectural design maximizes the specific conditions of the site, incorporating optimal orientation and effective shading systems. Movable awnings, canopies, and pergolas are strategically employed to control sunlight and enhance energy efficiency.

 

Landscaping for Microclimate

The outdoor space is carefully landscaped with deciduous trees that offer shade and contribute to a pleasant microclimate. Pergolas and the plot’s enclosure support climbing plants, adding a touch of nature to the architectural design.

 

Passive-Bioclimatic Envelope

The residence’s envelope is designed to be passive-bioclimatic, promoting sustainable living. A substantial thickness of thermal insulation minimizes thermal bridges, contributing to energy efficiency.

 

Energy-Efficient Systems

To further enhance sustainability, the residence incorporates innovative technologies. An energy-efficient fireplace, a centralized heat pump air-conditioning system, and solar collectors on the roof collectively contribute to the low energy consumption of the building.

By seamlessly integrating these elements, the bioclimatic residence stands as a harmonious blend of architecture, design, and environmental consciousness, providing an optimized living space for the modern family.