fran silvestre arquitectos stacks cantilevering volumes with its ‘house of sand’

fran silvestre arquitectos continues its design language of minimalism in monochromatic white with its newly realized ‘house of sand.’ curated as a cantilevering stack of monumental volumes, the contemporary dwelling is situated alongside the mediterranean, in a place where an imposing dune protects the coast from storms. the house’s relationship with its site defines the organization of the two perpendicular volumes. to maintain views across the sea, the design team inverts the traditional programmatic scheme. while the day area of shared spaces occupies the upper level where it can view over the dunes, the private spaces occupy the more intimate lower volume.

images by diego opazo

fran silvestre arquitectos arranges its ‘house of sand’ with a clear dialogue between its interiors and outdoor space. the circulation is collected in the most public part of the dwelling and opens outward to the pool area, while the private rooms open onto a lush garden consolidated with small species that existed in the place. the cantilever of the upper volume terminates with an open-air cut out. this subtraction illuminates the main room from the south while maintaining privacy, and at the same time casts the necessary shade on the lower level.

with its ‘house of sand,’ the design team at fran silvestre arquitectos stands as a formal expression of confluence. the point of intersection between the two volumes is emphasized, housing the staircase and marking the entrance of the house. long spans of full-height glazing serve to exhibit the occupants as they travel through the volumes, a strategy which serves to highlight the perpendicular organization of the stack. ultimately, the two volumes adapt to celebrate the surrounding conditions, as the team comments: ‘the views, the shade… nothing more, nothing less.’

project info:

project title: house of sand

architecture: fran silvestre arquitectos

location: valencia, spain

interiors: alfaro hofmann

building engineer: enrique alario

structural engineer: estructuras singulares

construction: AT4

project team: maría masià, fran ayala

photography: diego opazo