Efficiency and simplicity without sacrificing beauty: Casa en Cerros

A compact shape, capable of capturing sunlight to the fullest and distributing interior spaces efficiently: this is how Casa en Cerros presents itself, the residence located in the Spanish municipality of Villalbilla, in the province of Madrid.

Design solutions for light and space

The elongated shape of the land on which Casa en Cerros is located conditions the construction of the house, which has a square floor plan as its starting point. The strategies used by Slow Studio to capture sunlight are two: the introduction of a side courtyard, which creates a new facade at the back of the house, and the raising of the roof, which creates a series of slopes and skylights that illuminate the central spaces of the house. House projects like this are an example of how architecture can combine aesthetics and functionality.

Space distribution

The living areas are located on the main south-facing facade. Behind them, there is the entrance hall accessed through the courtyard, which serves as a small reading room and master bedroom. On the north facade, instead, there are the dressing room, bathrooms, the utility room, and an open office.

Independent and communicating spaces

The house allows for a large number of internal circulations: all the rooms are connected and it is possible to make each space independent according to its use. Thanks to the very compact layout, energy losses through the facade are extremely reduced. The compactness is interrupted only by the courtyard which allows sunlight to enter the rooms to the north.

Thermal insulation

In construction terms, the proposed facade is a ventilated double-wall brick facade with insulation. On these walls rests a wooden roof structure that allows for different inclinations and skylights. All the carpentry and doors are made of wood. The finishes have an industrial look, leaving the brick walls and installations exposed.