Cotaoaredes Arquitectos' Nature House is an unique example of how to adapt a contemporary villa design to the specific local topography and solar orientation.
In this type of project, where the possibilities are limited, architects prioritize the clients' needs. An urgently needed ground-floor bedroom with a full bathroom was designed in a way that it could serve both owners and guests. Additionally it was essential that the bedroom have a controlled relationship with the outside, so architects have worked to create a patio that provides adequate lighting and ventilation while also providing privacy.
During the evaluation process, the design progressed thanks to seemingly small yet groundbreaking decisions. In this case, separating the laundry room from the kitchen, as is done in the traditional way, allows the project to maximize the social areas. As a way to gain privacy and control of the northern light, architects compressed the opening by using a structural beam towards a patio. This created a buffer that controlled light and noise towards the avenue, where a bluish and nuanced light will be generated due to the north orientation. In the interior, minimal and essential elements were implemented. Consequently, the space was designed to convey a sense of calm and mindfulness.
The house as a piece seeks a stereotomic language where the mass predominates and the piece is firmly implanted on the earth. The front façade responds to the solar orientation by means of a screen wall that blocks the rays from the south. This reduces the temperature of the rooms facing the front. The combination of three materials, white concrete, a cement flat with white paint, and a stone pavement gives the façade an austere but elegant character.
