A-House, Madrid 2015
This is a contemporary architectural solution which delivers the programmatic needs set by the client. In this case, the client is highly concerned about the energy consumption of the house and its monthly energy bill.
Conceptually, the house is understood as a domestic activities container. For this purpose, it needs to be flexible in order to present different internal configurations, capable of delivering functional spaces to the different activities of today and in the future. Consequently, the vertical structure is placed along the perimeter, leaving an open-space plan in which the occupants can modify the internal layout through time.
The configuration of each façade is based on a thorough climate and context analysis. Therefore, the existing solar geometry was studied to define the dimensioning and location of the openings. The result is a South façade with big openings that allow solar radiation in winter for indoor passive heating. The North façade incorporates smaller windows that deliver diffuse light for studying and working. And the West and East façades work as protection planes for undesired solar radiation.
The shape of the house is originated by an exploration of the iconic house morphology. This is emphasised by its profile defined by the roof and main façades, which wraps the whole volume and draws a bold gesture. This element is built in black slate, which blends with its context, and helps to moderate the carbon footprint since it is a commonly used local material.
This house is considered passive or NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Building). The results given by thermal and energy simulations reveal an extremely low energy demand while comfort levels are guaranteed at all times.
Renders
REZ-Studio