a modern take on traditional caserío farmhouses in the pristine garralda landscape

4 Social Housing Units in Garralda, spain

The 4 Social Housing Units in Garralda project, designed by Rodrigo Nuñez Arquitectos and Nazareth Gutierrez Franco, is a modern interpretation of the traditional Basque-Navarrean Caserío farmhouses. This architectural development aims to integrate into its natural surroundings in the small Spanish town and the picturesque Aézcoa valley while providing high-quality housing. Drawing inspiration from vernacular architecture, the dwelling divides the required spaces into two volumes with steeply pitched roofs arranged in opposite directions to harmonize with the landscape. The architects have employed a soft material palette, utilizing white mortar for the façade and heat-treated pine wood for gallery roofs and shutters, to connect the structure with the local architectural heritage. In the exterior space of the plot, no physical boundaries have been imposed. Instead, it is conceived as an extension of the natural surroundings, acting as a bridge between the pristine landscape and the village itself.

all images by Alberto Amores 

Creating Sustainable and Inclusive Housing Units

Rodrigo Nuñez Arquitectos (see more here) and Nazareth Gutierrez Franco (see more here) have designed the housing units with a strong focus on flexibility and adaptability. Each volume within the design houses a single dwelling per floor, while common areas are situated on the ground floor. The construction employs a cross-laminated timber structure for enhanced versatility and accessibility, ensuring that residents with mobility challenges are well accommodated. Natural lighting and large openings connect the interior spaces with the landscape. The spacious outdoor terraces establish a profound connection with the scenic landscape, while a neutral color palette within the interiors encourages inhabitants to imbue the space with their unique character. Sustainability is a key focus of the project, meeting the Passivhaus standard for energy efficiency and addressing environmental, social, and economic aspects to promote a sustainable community.

a reinterpretation of the Caserío archetype

the two volumes are arranged in opposite directions to promote dialogue with the rural landscape

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all spaces are sized to be adapted to difficulties in the mobility of the inhabitant

 

 

 

 

 

the use of color and materials in the interior has been intentionally pared down, to encourage residents to personalize the space with their own style

 

 

 

 

 

project info:

name: 4 Social Housing Units in Garralda
architecture: Rodrigo Nuñez Arquitectos | @rodrigonunezarquitectos  + Nazareth Gutierrez Franco | @naza.eu
arquitects team: Rodrigo Nuñez Carrasco, Nazareth Gutierrez Franco, Juan Carrascosa Guardia
collaborators: Leandro Morillas (Structures consultant), Ángela Sisternes (Passive House consultant), Aiciondo Macías Ingenieros SL (Installation consultants), Asier Zarrazkin (Rigger), Felipa Fernández (Rigger)

construction completion year: 2022
surface: 828,96 sqm
location: Garralda, Navarra, Spain
program: 4 social dwellings
photography: Alberto Amores