Mediterranean House of Sand Designed to Track Movement of the Sun

Houses

A photo of Mediterranean house in all white.

Architecture: Fran Silvestre Arcquitectos
Interior Design: Alfaro Hofmann
Building Engineer: Enrique Alario
Photography: Diego Opazo
Location: Valencia
Structural Engineer: Estructuras Singulares
Constructor: AT4
Built Area: 313 m2
Residential Area: Exdrecon

About Studio

Our architectural office deals with the planning and implementation of projects of various scales and functions. Central themes are always the development of sustainable building concepts and the use of renewable raw materials – especially local wood. In addition, our work is driven by the pursuit of a holistic approach to architecture, which attempts to understand building culture as a communal, social process.

The home is situated close to the Mediterranean, where a large dune shields the coastline from storms.
The home is situated close to the Mediterranean, where a large dune shields the coastline from storms.
The configuration of the project is established at this phase.
The configuration of the project is established at this phase.
Two volumes that are parallel to one another are used to materialize the dwelling.
Two volumes that are parallel to one another are used to materialize the dwelling.
The house's usage program is reversed from the conventional layout in order to provide views of the ocean.
The house’s usage program is reversed from the conventional layout in order to provide views of the ocean.
The day room is placed on the upper floor to provide views over the top of the dune
The day room is placed on the upper floor to provide views over the top of the dune
On the lower level, parallel to the water, is where the nighttime area is situated.
On the lower level, parallel to the water, is where the nighttime area is situated.
The rooms open into a lovely garden consolidated with little species that existed in the neighborhood.
The rooms open into a lovely garden consolidated with little species that existed in the neighborhood.
The staircase, which designates the home's entrance, is drawn where the two volumes converge.
The staircase, which designates the home’s entrance, is drawn where the two volumes converge.
The main room may be illuminated from the south while keeping privacy.
The main room may be illuminated from the south while keeping privacy.
The cantilever of the upper floor terminates with a kind of cloister open to the sky.
The cantilever of the upper floor terminates with a kind of cloister open to the sky.
An all-white house that is stunning and refreshing architectural.
An all-white house that is stunning and refreshing architectural.
It has a classic and timeless color that exudes elegance and purity.
It has a classic and timeless color that exudes elegance and purity.
An all-white house can make a bold statement while still being minimalistic and understated.
An all-white house can make a bold statement while still being minimalistic and understated.
It creates a blank canvas for decorating and allows for endless possibilities in terms of color and decor.
It creates a blank canvas for decorating and allows for endless possibilities in terms of color and decor.
White also reflects light, making the house feel brighter and more spacious.
White also reflects light, making the house feel brighter and more spacious.
Incorporating warm wood tones, and natural elements like plants can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Incorporating warm wood tones, and natural elements like plants can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
In the end, two volumes were adjusted to appreciate the scenery, the vistas, and the shade.
In the end, two volumes were adjusted to appreciate the scenery, the vistas, and the shade.
Having a well-designed outside space is that it can serve as an extension of the home's living area.
Having a well-designed outside space is that it can serve as an extension of the home’s living area.
It can provide additional space for entertaining guests, relaxing, or enjoying outdoor activities.
It can provide additional space for entertaining guests, relaxing, or enjoying outdoor activities.
Exposure to nature and fresh air can reduce stress. Gardening also promotes physical activity and a healthy lifestyle.
Exposure to nature and fresh air can reduce stress. Gardening also promotes physical activity and a healthy lifestyle.
The whole sketch of the great-looking all-white house.
The whole sketch of the great-looking all-white house.

The house is located in front of the Mediterranean, in a place where an imposing dune protects the coast from storms. This starting point defines the configuration of the project. The house is materialized with two volumes arranged perpendicular to each other.

In order to have views of the sea, the program of uses of the house is inverted as opposed to the traditional scheme, the day area is arranged on the upper floor to be able to look over the top of the dune and uses the lower level roof as a belvedere. The night area is located on the entry-level, perpendicular to the sea.

The circulation is arranged in the most public part of the plot open to the pool area, while the rooms open onto a beautiful garden consolidated with small species that existed in the place. The cantilever of the upper floor ends with a kind of cloister open to the sky that allows the main room to be illuminated from the south while maintaining privacy, and at the same time casts the necessary shade on the lower level.

The staircase is drawn at the intersection of both volumes, marking the access point of the house. Ultimately, two volumes adapted to enjoy the surrounding conditions, the views, the shade … nothing more, nothing less.

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