Home in the Pine Forest

THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN

THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN

Valencia (Spain)

2017

571,40 m²

Home in the Pine Forest is located in a sprawling residential area, amidst expansive green spaces, woodlands, and pine trees. The plot itself, which has a significant topographical gradient, encompasses a substantial area of natural Mediterranean garden with a cluster of pines in its lowest section. The dwelling is positioned at the summit, dominating the surroundings through a contrasting relationship with the garden.

Contrasts of Geometry

The project responds to a geometry of contrasts founded on this principle: nature provides the verticality of pine trees, while the architecture extends horizontally, like a grand viewpoint within its setting.

The Garden Home

The house unfolds as a long, continuous tiered balcony, creating a platform that adapts to the topography. The entire interior space opens and orients itself towards the inherent views of the plot.

Spatial Fluidity

Spatial continuity is another key characteristic of this project. The space of the communal areas is almost singular, distributed by permeable elements, such as the fireplace or the staircase. The house is shielded on its northern façade, facing the street access, by controlling the openings, while the southern side is open and transparent towards the pines, protected by a long porch.

Nature in the Coloured Palette

Employing a palette of natural colours, earthy tones, browns, greens, etc., the materials are presented in their natural state, utilising wood, natural stone, and exposed concrete. The concrete undergoes a tinting process to acquire the hues of the surrounding stone, attempting to mimic its colour and texture with the natural material, accepting the irregularities and water as part of the integration process.

Each space within the house prioritises practicality: The entrance level, which hangs like a spacious balcony over its surroundings, accommodates the communal areas and master bedroom.

The ground floor, which is within easy reach of the garden, houses living spaces with direct access to the outdoors. The landscape is thus formed to allow immediate connection with the natural world. The first floor is transformed into a viewpoint, a private and intimate area solely used as a studio, intended to manifest itself as a space for serenity.