H arquitectes: house 712

‘house 712’ by H arquitectes in gualba, barcelona, spain image © adria goulaall images courtesy H arquitectes

spanish practice H arquitectes has completed ‘house 712’, a single-storey dwelling on an irregularly-shaped site in gualba, barcelona, spain. seeking to occupy as much buildable land as possible, the design scribes out a triangle-shaped plan with each wall running parallel to the plot line, creating a compact space which reserves its free-flowing circulation at its core.

situated on a lush property surrounded by many trees, a major aim of the design was to establish a strong and direct relationship with the outdoors. each of the three facades feature large swinging windows which can operate as doors. the distinction of a main entrance is unnecessary with multiple access points revolving around the house. humble in scale and proportions, the dwelling is wrapped in a perforated brick exterior which lends a simply yet distinct aesthetic to the structure.

elevation image © adria goula

facade image © adria goula

exterior view image © adria goula

corner detail image © adria goula

(left) entrance (right) facade detail images © adria goula

in order to maximize on the daylighting effect, the interior walls and ceilings are finished in a stark shade of white. programs are arranged at the perimeter of the floor plan, designating an appropriate amount of space for the functions of each room. this pinwheeling organization allows for an easy and organic movement of space with the center point serving as the heart of the house.

interior view image © adria goula

(left) dining space (right) corner images © adria goula

image © adria goula

center of house image © adria goula

site maps

floor plan

more refinement would not have cost much more – there is a deliberate rawness going on here – kudos to both the architect and client for their integrity, but I would prefer to see a bit more refinement
there seems to be this new thing going on wherein rawness in architecture is an end unto itself – as far as I’m concerned, the jury is still out on that one – Botta’s work was often very un-adulterated, this takes it further
dbkii
Jan 25, 2012
I agree with Cris, very straightforward.
It’s not about craftsmanship, it’s about “…seeking to occupy as much buildable land as possible…”.
The shape is a consequence of the shape of the plot and the set-backs.
The materials and details, I’m guessing, dictated by budget.
It reminds me of Lacaton-Vassal, very straightforward, no-nonsense, most-space-with-less-money
kind of attitude.
I like it.
Not everybody has rich clients. I think they did the best with what they had!
david v
Jan 25, 2012