Era Nova

It is a single-family house designed for a family of four who wants an efficient, versatile home connected to the outdoors. The objective is to achieve optimal passive performance, with open and multipurpose spaces that adapt to current needs. The plot is located in the northern part of the municipality, right on the boundary between the low-density area and the forest, with spectacular views towards Vallès. The terrain has a steep slope, which influences the placement of the house. The house is designed as a compact building, strategically located to minimize earth movement and retaining walls, while maintaining a direct connection to the garden from the kitchen and living room. The volume favors the south facade to maximize solar gain in winter, while a large double-height porch covers the entire facade and, thanks to a retractable solar protection system, prevents excessive radiation in summer. This space becomes a winter garden when it is cold and a pleasant shaded area in summer. Heating is prioritized only in strictly necessary areas, while the workshop remains a service space without heating. The north facade has few windows to avoid energy losses but allows cross ventilation. Additionally, to reduce costs and materials, optimized construction is used with load-bearing walls and wooden beams with short spans (maximum 4 m), enabling construction without heavy machinery.

The house is situated on a flat area within the plot, taking advantage of an old cultivation terrace. The ground floor is at an elevation of -2.20 m relative to the street, and access is via a half-level, from the landing between the ground floor and the first floor. If needed in the future, an external ramp could be added to ensure full accessibility. The building has a rectangular floor plan of 13.5 x 4 m interior dimensions, structured into four bays. The first bay groups the main services (stairs, storage, and bathrooms), while the other three organize the living spaces. This modulation allows the spaces to be perceived as a fluid sequence or divided according to needs. The ground floor houses the kitchen, living room, and a study, which is designed to be converted into a double bedroom if necessary. This allows the house, if needed, to function entirely on one floor, with bathroom, kitchen, living room, and bedroom. The bedrooms are on the first floor, following the same modular logic. The rooms are compact to give more space to circulation areas, turning them into versatile zones for studying, playing, or working. The exterior is also an essential part of the house. The porch area has the same surface as the ground floor, offering a habitable outdoor space complemented by the garden without intervention. Thus, the house blends with the landscape and adapts to the changing needs of the family.