Casa NU, nestled in the serene environs of La Saladita beach, emerged as a testament to the profound bond between client and architect. Rooted in the ethos of camaraderie and creative exchange, Casa NU, derived from the French word “nous” meaning “we,” embodies the materialization of years-long friendship, offering a novel retreat for surf enthusiasts seeking solace along the Mexican Pacific coast.

Architectural Harmony

Situated on a corner lot, Casa NU’s architectural layout mirrors the fluidity of surfing, optimizing space utilization akin to navigating ocean waves. Preserving the verdant mango trees, the design imbues the surroundings with cool shade, fostering an ambiance of tranquility and neighborly camaraderie.

Innovative Design Elements

The architectural program of Casa NU defies convention, ingeniously integrating essential spaces into the external realm. From laundry facilities to storage rooms and private outdoor showers, these designated spaces form a protective perimeter, seamlessly blending functionality with aesthetics.

Elevated Living Spaces

Within the confines of Casa NU, a double-height scheme amplifies the sense of space, culminating in a loft adorned with a King Size bed and ample storage. The ground floor hosts a well-appointed kitchen, living area, and a bathroom, ensuring flexibility in spatial utilization to accommodate guests.

Honoring Materials and Finishes

Emphasizing authenticity and dignified aging, Casa NU employs a palette of materials that age gracefully. Exposed concrete walls, polished concrete floors with brass joints, and pinewood accents exude timeless elegance, while oxidized metallic elements add character to the abode.

Seamless Integration of Luxury and Comfort

Every aspect of Casa NU, meticulously curated to preserve design integrity, epitomizes luxury and comfort. From concealed service facilities to spacious interiors, the residence exudes an aura of simplicity and sophistication, offering a haven of tranquility amidst the vibrant surf culture.

Embracing Serenity

In essence, Casa NU encapsulates the essence of rest and tranquility, beckoning weary surfers to unwind and recharge amidst the rhythm of crashing waves. As a sanctuary for rejuvenation, Casa NU invites visitors to embrace the serenity of La Saladita beach, fostering moments of blissful reprieve after exhilarating surf sessions.

Casa La Calderona, situated in Vernejo near Cabezón de la Sal in Cantabria, stands as a testament to sustainable evolution and collaborative design. Spearheaded by Héctor Navarro + Architekton, this residence embodies a harmonious blend of environmental consciousness, functional design, and economic viability.

Contextual Background

Nestled amidst the outskirts of Cabezón de la Sal, Casa La Calderona emerged from an execution project that underwent significant transformation during its realization. The collaborative efforts of the promoters, actively engaged in the construction process, steered the project towards a holistic approach focused on economic and environmental sustainability.

Architectural Configuration

The house, characterized by a single floor layout, comprises three interconnected gabled volumes. The central volume serves as the primary entry point and houses the living and dining areas, along with two terraces. The southern volume accommodates three bedrooms and a bathroom, interconnected by a study corridor. The third volume encompasses the kitchen, utility room, and garage, defining the secondary access to the house.

Environmental Sustainability

A cornerstone of the project was the integration of high environmental sustainability. Extensive deliberations led to the adoption of a monolithic reinforced concrete construction system with a core insulation material. This approach, coupled with internal cladding insulation, ensures optimal thermal performance and energy efficiency.

Energy-Efficient Systems

To further enhance sustainability, the project incorporates an aerothermal and heat recovery system for air conditioning. This system, integrated with ducted air installation, regulates indoor temperature and humidity throughout the year. Additionally, photovoltaic panels complement the energy requirements, minimizing reliance on external power sources.

Material Selection

The envelope of Casa La Calderona features corrugated sheet metal, chosen for its cost-effectiveness, ease of installation, and durability. This material extends to the garage, which employs a simple metal structure. Moreover, methacrylate sheets are utilized to create a striking visual element, illuminating the entrance at night.

Future Prospects

While the residence is currently inhabited, its construction remains ongoing. Future phases will include the addition of a corner patio and the completion of landscaping, including the installation of a swimming pool. The incremental development of Casa La Calderona reflects a sustainable and adaptable approach to architectural evolution.

In essence, Casa La Calderona stands as a testament to the transformative power of sustainable design, where collaborative efforts and environmental consciousness converge to create a harmonious living environment.

Situated within the expanding urban landscape of Santes Creus, Casa 22 Avellaners emerges as a distinctive residential structure that harmonizes with its surroundings while maximizing natural light and panoramic views. Developed by architect Guillem Carrera, this residence reflects a thoughtful response to its context and site conditions.

Contextual Analysis and Design Strategies

The location of Casa 22 Avellaners is influenced by neighboring properties, each with unique building volumes and orientations. Analyzing these factors, the design strategy unfolds in three key approaches. Firstly, a staggered volume integrates seamlessly with the varying heights of adjacent buildings. Secondly, strategically positioned openings capture views to the east, west, and north, optimizing natural light and scenic vistas. Lastly, internal spatial relationships are enhanced through interconnected volumes, fostering a sense of openness and continuity within the home.

Spatial Dynamics and Vertical Circulation

Vertical circulation within Casa 22 Avellaners is centered around a prominent staircase, serving as a focal point that connects all three levels of the residence. Positioned strategically, the staircase facilitates efficient movement between floors while contributing to the overall spatial experience. Each floor is carefully programmed to accommodate different functions, with the ground floor housing the main entrance, garage, and linear connection to the rear garden.

Sustainable Design Principles

Energy efficiency was a fundamental consideration in the design process of Casa 22 Avellaners. Passive solar architecture techniques, coupled with indirect light detection and meticulous attention to building materials, contribute to its sustainability. The residence has achieved an energy certification rating of A, reflecting its commitment to environmental responsibility and resource conservation.

Functional Layout and Program

The functional layout of Casa 22 Avellaners is thoughtfully organized to accommodate various living needs. The ground floor features a garage, bedroom, bathroom, and integrated kitchen, living, and dining spaces that seamlessly connect to the upper floors. The first and second floors house additional bedrooms, terraces, and a multipurpose room, providing ample space for relaxation and recreation.

Conclusion

Casa 22 Avellaners exemplifies a harmonious integration of architectural design, contextual awareness, and sustainability principles. Through meticulous planning and innovative solutions, Guillem Carrera has created a residence that not only meets the needs of its occupants but also enhances the urban fabric of its surroundings.

The Car Park Katwolderplein in Zwolle stands out with its unique and eye-catching design. Drawing inspiration from the Silk Road journey through Central Asia, the architects envisioned the car park as a modern-day caravanserai, a haven for travellers and their caravans. This concept is reflected in both the form and function of the structure.

Eastern Influences in Design

The façade of the car park is adorned with Eastern hues and intricate patterns, reminiscent of the architectural motifs found along the Silk Road. The design gracefully curves around the building, creating a striking visual impact. Constructed using raised bricks, the masonry features five different patterns, which are illuminated by spotlights after sunset, casting a magical ambiance reminiscent of a fairy tale.

Sustainability at Its Core

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, sustainability is at the core of the Car Park Katwolderplein. The roof is equipped with 800 square meters of solar panels, harnessing renewable energy to power the facility. Smart routing minimizes exhaust emissions, while an energy-efficient LED lighting system ensures that lights only activate in areas with activity, reducing energy consumption. Moreover, the car park provides 28 charging points for electric vehicles, catering to sustainable transportation needs.

Embracing Nature

In addition to its eco-friendly features, the car park embraces nature. Green hanging plants adorn the rear façade, adding a touch of greenery to the urban environment. Moreover, the structure includes nesting and shelter spots for swallows and bats, fostering biodiversity within the city. This commitment to environmental stewardship aligns with Dutch BREEAM standards, ensuring that the car park operates sustainably.

Bridging Communities

Strategically located between the city center and the A28 motorway, the Car Park Katwolderplein serves as a vital link connecting different parts of Zwolle. Its warm and inviting appearance serves as a bridge between Katwolderplein, the Pathé cinema, and the bustling city center. As a modern-day oasis, the car park provides a welcoming retreat for both visitors and residents in the midst of a busy urban landscape.

In essence, the Car Park Katwolderplein exemplifies a harmonious blend of architectural innovation, sustainability, and community engagement, offering a glimpse into the future of urban infrastructure.

Perched on a steep north-facing hillside, the California House by Gluck+ boasts breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and a panoramic vista stretching from the Hollywood sign to the Burbank airport. Despite the site’s challenging terrain, considered previously unbuildable, the architects were tasked with two primary objectives: minimizing the house’s impact on the landscape and creating a comfortable outdoor living space.

Innovative Design Solutions

To address the site’s complexities, the architects devised a solution that bifurcates the building, with each half serving a distinct function. The lower floor, carved into the hillside and adorned with a lush green roof, blends seamlessly with the natural topography, housing bedrooms, bathrooms, and utility spaces. This section, although substantial, is intentionally designed to be discreet, harmonizing with its surroundings.

In contrast, the upper floor features a striking glass pavilion that serves as the focal point for communal activities such as living, dining, and entertaining. Characterized by its loft-like ambiance and minimalist design, the pavilion exudes a sense of openness and transparency. Solid wood-faced “boxes” discreetly house functional elements, preserving the spatial integrity of the expansive living area.

Architectural Elegance

The house’s roof, resembling a vast parasol with upturned edges, extends beyond the pavilion, providing shade and shelter while creating an illusion of weightlessness. Positioned at a slight angle to the glass rectangle below, the roof captures sunlight and casts dynamic shadows, enhancing the visual appeal of the structure.

Sustainable Living

Embracing California’s stringent energy standards, the California House incorporates passive cooling and heating strategies, with over half of the structure nestled into the hillside. Large glass sliders facilitate natural ventilation, minimizing the need for mechanical air conditioning. Solar panels discreetly integrated into the roof generate surplus electricity, while a cistern captures rainwater for landscape irrigation, exemplifying the house’s commitment to sustainability.

Conclusion

With its innovative design, seamless integration with the landscape, and emphasis on sustainability, the California House by Gluck+ stands as a testament to architectural ingenuity and environmental stewardship. By harmonizing with its surroundings and embracing the natural elements, this remarkable dwelling offers a serene retreat amidst the vibrant backdrop of California’s scenic beauty.