casa sandra y mario: catalan townhouse restored by NUA arquitectures

site and context: vila-seca, spain

Located in Vila-seca, Spain, the Sandra & Mario House stands as a contemporary response to the town’s rich history. Originally a frontier between al-Andalus and the County of Barcelona, Vila-seca’s urban fabric evolved around a central church, with subsequent growth forming rows of terraced houses along main thoroughfares. The site for this renovation project is a typical example of this historic development, a narrow plot with a single street-facing facade. Given the plot’s constraints, the architects at NUA Arquitectures focused on maximizing space and light. The dwelling revolves around a central staircase that acts as a skylight, illuminating the core of the house. This central element divides the dwelling into two open areas on each floor, offering flexibility for the family’s needs.

images © José Hevia

the design strategy by nua arquitectures

In an effort by the design team at NUA Arquitectures to contrast the dense urban fabric, the Sandra & Mario House takes shape with a light and airy volume. Large openings, particularly on the southwest-facing rear facade, draw in natural light and provide cross-ventilation. A double-height space enhances the sense of openness and spatial quality within the home. The architects sought to balance modernity with the site’s history. Existing stone party walls were preserved, and new materials such as ceramics, wood, and lime mortar were chosen for their local character and low environmental impact. The house is designed to be energy-efficient, utilizing passive systems for climate control. The rear facade features solar protection blinds to regulate sunlight and maintain comfort throughout the year.

Sandra & Mario House is a modern interpretation of the traditional terraced houses of Vila-seca, Spain

sandra & mario house in dialogue with its context

While NUA Arquitectures designs the interiors of its Sandra & Mario House with a focus on light and openness, the exterior facade engages with the surrounding streetscape. Aligned with the home’s overall design, the rear facade overlooking the southwest patio is a large expanse of glass. This maximizes natural light intake during winter while retractable shades offer protection from the sun in warmer months. In contrast, the street-facing northeast facade presents a more solid appearance, incorporating a mix of open and closed elements. This design approach seeks to complement the architectural style of its neighbors. With this composition of solids and voids, the home creates a visual dialogue with the traditional terraced houses of Vila-seca, acknowledging its role within the historic urban fabric.

a double-height space enhances the sense of openness of the sunlit interiors