two concrete planes cantilever above the living zones of hara house in bilbao

VERNE Arquitectura builds Hara House on Vizcaya Coast

VERNE Arquitectura takes over the construction of The Hara House, located in a compound near the coast of Vizcaya, just a few kilometers from Bilbao. Positioned on a challenging sloped terrain with a north-south alignment, the residential project provides a unified response to the natural conditions.

The building comprises two prominent concrete planes, gracefully extending with bold cantilevers at their extremities. These planes stagger, adapting to the undulating landscape. The first plane, hosting the entrance, garage, gym, and ancillary spaces, contrasts with the second plane, which serves as the roof and houses the core living areas, such as the bedrooms, kitchen, and living-dining zone.

On the north-facing side, the concrete planes break at their ends to form two blind parapets concealing the living spaces and creating a fortified and introverted facade. The parapets at the ends of this side protect the privacy of the interior and develop a sweeping continuous terrace on the upper level. The south facade remains private and intimate as the architectural configuration becomes lighter. The concrete roof elegantly extends into a generous cantilever over the garden, keeping its edge as minimal as possible. Expansive windows and a welcoming porch establish a seamless connection with the outdoors.

all images courtesy of VERNE Arquitectura

Hara House’s layout interconnects all living zones

The design team develops a layout that attends to the internal connectivity of all living zones. The kitchen and dining-living areas, centrally positioned along the north-south axis, create visual and spatial links between the north terrace and the south porch. The master bedroom, located in the east wing, thoughtfully connects the bedroom to the dressing room and the central bathroom.

The material palette creates a harmonious dialogue between the built form and the natural surroundings. Concrete’s robust presence is complemented by wooden textures, particularly on the cantilevered surfaces, garage door, and entrance. Chestnut wood cladding adorns parts of the facade, while white lime mortar discreetly envelops the remaining exterior. Inside, light beige clay plaster coats vertical surfaces, oak wood covers the floors and sliding doors, and gray limestone adorns the central fireplace feature. The furniture selection blends with the architectural space, featuring noble woods, soft creams, and stone-like textures. Suspended pendant lamps and fixtures add a touch of sophistication in dark hues.

Hara House is located in a compound near the coast of Vizcaya

the structure is positioned on a challenging sloped terrain with a north-south alignment

expansive windows and a welcoming porch establish a seamless connection with the outdoors

the concrete roof elegantly extends into a generous cantilever over the garden

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the parapets at the ends of the north side develop a continuous terrace on the upper level

the concrete planes conceal the living spaces and create a fortified and introverted facade

robust concrete surfaces envelop the cantilevered volumes

light beige clay plaster coats vertical surfaces as oak wood covers the floors and sliding doors

the interior decoration features noble woods, soft creams, and stone-like textures

project info:

name: The Hara House
architect: VERNE Arquitectura | @vernearquitectura

location: Vizcaya, Bilbao, Spain

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom