ALT arquitectura: alvnat house in madrid

‘alvnat house’ by ALT arquitectura, madrid, spainimage © angel luis tendero / ALT arquitecturaall images courtesy of ALT arquitectura

the ‘alvnat house’ in madrid is a private residence for a high-class chef with a kitchen acting as focal point of the continuous space. spanish practiceALT arquitectura have chosen to pursue the ethos over the rationalism of space. a mix of fragmented geometries and expressive textures createan unmistakable mood within the home, emphasized by a playful negotiation of light and shadow, shape and texture. the footprint consists of a regularrectangular footprint making a large continuous and linear space. to break its monotony, an angular wall defines the southern facade creating what aredeamed as ‘mini-architectures’ – individual unique spaces in the same volume – carried through in section with triangulated platforms like a man-madetopography. the parallel roof beams add another layer of linear rhythms brought to life with their rugged profile supporting natural dark steel sheets enclosing the canopy. black metal plates also define the straight back wall that transition into the reflective kitchen components taking center stage inthe residence. the rooms are pushed to either end to hide the staircases from the main living space. wrapped in warm hickory planks, the private functionsprovide an abrupt contrast to the dark reflective colors of the former areas. exterior metal-framed polygons project over the concrete patio into an opposing barrier of thick vegetation that will creep its way to the residence creating a natural green canopy.

image © angel luis tendero