Squeezed between two existing buildingsĀ in Barcelona, this family home by Alventosa Morell Arquitectes features a steel frame, a timber facade and two street-facing balconiesĀ (+ slideshow).
Spanish studioĀ Alventosa Morell ArquitectesĀ designed CP House for a 15-metre-long site in the Nou Barris district of Barcelona.
Sandwiched between a high-rise apartment block and a smaller building with an ornamental facade, the four-storey structure mediates betweenĀ the two contrastingĀ heights.
The architects' aim was to create living spacesĀ separated from the hubbubĀ of the busy street, but to also funnel as much natural light as possible into theĀ cramped site.
They fronted the building's facadeĀ with large sections of wood that can be used to open or close offĀ the interior toĀ the street, while the two staggeredĀ balconies on the uppermost floors allowĀ residentsĀ to observe people coming and going.
"The outdoor settings aren't a welcoming zone for a family house," said the architects, describing the typical street noise. "It gets the maximum of decibels according to regulations."
The street-facing facade presents a fortress-like appearance with its high solid walls, while the more secluded rear elevation features a series of terraces, slotted between large panels of glazing and slatted timber shutters.
"While the main facade was thought to give privacy and protect from the daily noise, the back one was designed to have as much light as possible,"Ā said the team.
This arrangement led to the creation of two separate zones within the building, divided by a staircase thatĀ rises through a central atrium.
Living and entertaining spaces are oriented towards the back of the house, whileĀ the bedrooms sit behindĀ the street-facing facade.
The stairs have slim white railings and timber treads that match the wooden elements of the facade. Portions of the white-painted atrium are faced in this sameĀ timber to homogenise interior fittings.
Integrated lighting around the edges of the panelling gives the wallsĀ a peripheralĀ glow.
"The most dominant architectural feature is the access of natural light inside the different spaces and rooms," said the architects.
"This is due to a system of folding shutter blinds, that protect from the extra solar radiation, and a succession of vertical spaces and skylights."
Surrounded byĀ white balustrades, the landings function as indoor balconies thatĀ overlook the glass-fronted living spacesĀ below.
The ground level rises towards the back of the house, where a low concrete wall surrounds aĀ patioĀ adjoining the galley kitchen and dining room.
In theĀ wetroom, an arrangement of multi-tonal blue tiles are incorporated to inject colour into the otherwise monochrome white space.
Photography is by AdriĆ Goula.
Project credits:
Architects: Alventosa Morell Arquitectes: Josep Ma. Alventosa, Marc Alventosa y Xavier Morell
Technical Architect: GOPSE, ElĆes Sanz Espada
Principal Builder: Global Projects
Wood finishes and wood windows: Soldevila ConstrucciĆ³ i decoraciĆ³ en fusta
Ilumination project: Viabizzuno Barcelona + Alventosa Morell Arquitectes
