Era Nova

A single-unit house designed for a family of four seeking an efficient, versatile home connected to the outside world. The aim is to achieve optimal passivity, with open and multipurpose spaces that adapt to changing needs and circumstances.

The development is located in the north of the urban area, where low-density housing borders on neighbouring woodland, with spectacular views towards the Vallès. The terrain is steeply sloped, which conditions the foundations of the house.

The house is designed as a compact building, strategically located to minimise earthwork and retaining walls while at the same time maintaining direct contact with the garden via the kitchen and living room. The shape and design allows for maximum sunlight reception on the south face in winter, while a large two-level arch covers the entire facade and, thanks to a retractable sun protection system, allows excessive sunlight to be avoided in summer. This space acts as a winter garden during the colder months, and a pleasant shaded area in the summer. Priority is given to air conditioning only where strictly necessary, while the workshop is left as an unheated service space. The north face features few windows in order to avoid energy loss while continuing to ensure cross ventilation. In addition, to reduce costs and materials, an optimised structure featuring load-bearing walls and small-span wooden beams (maximum 4 m) is used, allowing for construction without the need for heavy machinery.

The house is located on an area of flat ground within the wider plot, which covers old farmland. The ground floor lies 2.2 m below street level, with stepped access from a landing between the ground and the first floor. If necessary in the future, there is capacity for an external ramp to be added to ensure full accessibility.

The building has a rectangular interior floor plan of 13.5 x 4 m, structured in four sections. The first of these houses the main service areas (staircase, storage and bathrooms), while the other three constitute the living spaces of the home. This design allows spaces to be perceived as a fluid sequence and to be divided according to need.

The ground floor houses the kitchen, the living room and a study, which is designed to be converted into a double room if necessary. This allows the house to operate completely on one floor, with a bathroom, kitchen, living room and bedroom, should this be required.

On the first floor, there are further bedrooms, following the same modular design. The rooms are compact, affording greater space to passage areas, making them versatile areas to study, play or work in.

The exterior is also an essential part of the home. The porch area covers the same surface as the ground floor, offering a liveable outdoor space complemented by a natural garden. Thus, the house merges with the landscape and adapts to the changing needs of the family.