Casa-studio in a fishermen's neighborhood built with locally sourced stone

In the region of Murcia, in Spain, Mazarrón seen from the sea is a heterogeneous volume of buildings typical of a coastal town developed in the 90s, completely disconnected from the Mediterranean fishing district of Bolnuevo, from which it originates. Here stands the House-studio whose project questions its role in relation to tradition

Architecture against the trivialization of built space

“The built environment needs culture, architectural design, urban planning, psychology and sociology of space, and knowledge of the territory.” The statement of intent from Davos 2018 for the improvement of the human-built environment encapsulates this idea in the term “Baukultur,” which Pepa Díaz Arquitecta studio draws inspiration from to develop its architectural projects, such as the Fishermen's neighborhood Casa-studio. Its architecture aims to combat the trivialization of construction and the loss of local identities.

Local materials for architecture rooted in the territory

With these intentions, considering the consistency and materiality of the Gredas landscape, sandstone formations sculpted by the wind and water typical of this territory, the architects decide to use sandstone extracted a few kilometers from the site for construction: this results in a composition of stone blocks of different sizes resulting from the cutting of other more noble products from the quarry; this process allows for 100% utilization of the extracted stone block.

A tribute to the Mediterranean landscape

Inside the Casa-studio, the walls are also made of sandstone blocks, framed by the white of the mortar, which are articulated in different geometries. Both the materiality and the geometric arrangement created with the stone evoke the rocky coves, the sand, and the white carpets so closely linked to the image of the Mediterranean territory.

Flexible Spaces for Living and Working

The distribution of the internal spaces is designed to ensure flexibility, adapting to evolving family and work needs. The Casa-studio offers convivial environments and modular rest areas, designed to meet different levels of intimacy. On the ground floor, the garage has been designed to also function as an architecture studio and meeting room, making the space multifunctional and dynamic.

Strategies for environmental comfort

The Casa-studio is committed to international environmental sustainability by offering passive systems such as large openings for natural light entry, protected to the south with overhangs that allow sunlight in during winter and shade projection in summer months. Additionally, it features aerothermal systems for hot water and air conditioning; a photovoltaic system capable of producing 5.3 kW; and a water recirculation system in bathroom elements, such as using sink water for toilet flushing.

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Pepa Diaz Arquitecta