'ripolles-manrique' by teo hidalgo nácher
images courtesy of teo hidalgo nácher


spanish studio teo hidalgo nácher has created 'ripolles-manrique' a multi-unit home for two matrimonial friends.
the site is surrounded by pine trees on an isolated estate that began being built in the seventies, near the town of
benicassim in castellon, spain. what really stands out about its location is the views. the plot, with its steep slopes
and irregular geometry, is situated on top of a hill overlooking the sea in the montornés neighborhood.
its main access point is down a public road leading from above. the project was born out of this difficult terrain which,
rather than proving problematic, helped guide the architect’s work. following the edges of the plot’s perimeter,
the two houses are joined together as one. the layout aims to make the most of the available space and complies with
building regulations dictating minimum space distances from the edges of the plot – three meters from the eastern edge
and five from the western.



access point



the house’s relationship with its surroundings is based on a series of wishes that the owners and the architect outlined
in the initial design phases. both houses must have their own sense of privacy whilst still opening up the space to the
stretches of land and sea, they must be well-lit with natural ventilation and plenty of common space - expressed in a
shared garden - direct sunlight must not hit the inside of the houses, the existing features of the immediate surroundings
must not be spoiled and the building must be constructed economically but to a high standard, using the least number
of materials possible.



roof detail


a series of transition spaces between the inside and the outside work together to build a relationship between the houses
and their exterior. these give the houses a sense of order and control; the interiors are expandable with sliding glass doors,
the windows can be hollowed out and these spaces create new corners, meaning the space can be lived in or used for any
unexpected purposes.



north facade


west facade

south facade and interior

kitchen and barbacue


kitchen



living room



living room



designboom has received this project from our 'DIY submissions' feature, where we welcome our readers
to submit their own work for publication.