curved white volumes and verdant surroundings define house in les rotes, spain

the project embodies a biophilic approach, emphasizing harmony with nature.

Milena Villaba edited by myrto katsikopoulou February 6, 2025 4 min

organic forms and lush vegetation define HOUSE IN LES ROTES

Architects Selba García-Clarck and Daniel Carratalá Climent craft House in Les Rotes, a residence defined by organic forms and lush vegetation. The house is situated in the coastal area of the Les Rotes Natural Park in Dénia, Spain, approximately 100 meters from the Mediterranean Sea. The design prioritizes continuity with the landscape, incorporating a smooth, organic form with minimal edges and integrating vegetation throughout the site. Most pre-existing trees have been preserved, and the two-story volume is positioned to frame views of the Mediterranean Sea between neighboring structures. The project emphasizes visual integration with the natural surroundings while considering its environmental impact on the park.

The building envelope is designed to optimize heat exchange with the exterior, with a focus on southern orientation for solar gain and panoramic views to the east. The main living spaces are elevated on the first floor, while the lower level is accessed via an organically shaped staircase emerging from an interior water feature. Circulation patterns inside and outside the house establish a connection between the built forms and the surrounding garden.

curved white volumes and verdant surroundings define house in les rotes, spain - 1 — all images by ©Milena Villalba

biophilic design informs House in Les Rotes’ architecture

Environmental strategies include passive thermal regulation through the south facade, cross-ventilation across interior spaces, and vertical ventilation facilitated by a thermal chimney (skylight) enhanced by the evaporative cooling effect of the interior pond. These measures contribute to maintaining a comfortable indoor climate year-round, reducing reliance on mechanical heating and cooling.

The project by architects Daniel Carratalá Climent and Selba García-Clarck follows a biophilic design approach, incorporating natural materials such as black cork for insulation, oak timber, and locally sourced stone. Non-toxic finishes are used to avoid emissions of volatile organic compounds and formaldehyde. Sustainable water management systems include wastewater treatment through total oxidation, rainwater collection via roof gargoyles for storage in an underground tank, and a natural swimming pool purified through a gravel bed and aquatic plants, enhancing local biodiversity.

curved white volumes and verdant surroundings define house in les rotes, spain - 2 — House in Les Rotes integrates organic forms with the surrounding natural landscape

curved white volumes and verdant surroundings define house in les rotes, spain - 3 — designed to minimize visual impact, the house maintains a smooth, curved form with minimal edges

curved white volumes and verdant surroundings define house in les rotes, spain - 4 — the structure is positioned to preserve pre-existing trees while framing views of the Mediterranean

curved white volumes and verdant surroundings define house in les rotes, spain - 5 — the two-story volume is carefully oriented to maximize natural light and ventilation

curved white volumes and verdant surroundings define house in les rotes, spain - 6 — the design fosters a fluid connection between indoor and outdoor spaces

selba-garcia-clarck-daniel-carratala-climent-house-in-les-rotes-milena-villalba-designboom-1800-2 — the elevated main living spaces provide panoramic views to the east

curved white volumes and verdant surroundings define house in les rotes, spain - 7 — the residence incorporates oak timber and natural materials for a low-impact design

curved white volumes and verdant surroundings define house in les rotes, spain - 8 — a thermal chimney, skylight, enhances vertical airflow, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling

curved white volumes and verdant surroundings define house in les rotes, spain - 9 — an organically shaped staircase connects the floors, emerging from an interior water feature

curved white volumes and verdant surroundings define house in les rotes, spain - 10 — circulation pathways blur the boundary between built and natural environments

curved white volumes and verdant surroundings define house in les rotes, spain - 11 — House in Les Rotes balances contemporary architecture with sustainable design principles

selba-garcia-clarck-daniel-carratala-climent-house-in-les-rotes-milena-villalba-designboom-1800-3 — the project embodies a biophilic approach, emphasizing harmony with nature

curved white volumes and verdant surroundings define house in les rotes, spain - 12 — House in Les Rotes’ organic forms emerge from the greenery

project info:

name: House in Les Rotes

architects: Selba García-Clarck + Daniel Carratalá Climent

location: Denia, Alicante, Spain

photographer: Milena Villalba | @milena_archphoto

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