M House in Catalonia bridges modernity and tradition

M House in Catalonia bridges modernity and tradition
MDBA Architects and Guallart Architects brought this traditional Spanish villa to the 21st century by maintaining important historical facade details and parts of the heavy, old stone walls, while using a contrasting exposed steel framework
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In the centre of the quaint, rustic village of La Nou de Gaia, in Catalonia, Spain, M House sits in subtle juxtaposition to its vernacular neighbours. Quoting 'simplicity as the greater sophistication', Maria Díaz of Spanish firm MDBA Architects, together with Guallart Architects, designed this three-bedroom holiday home using the house's traditional environment as a starting point, but highlighting its modern character through an exposed steel structure.

With stunning views out over the fields and distant hillsides of Els Masos de Vespella to the north-facing rear of the house, it is not surprising that the architects created all its main openings towards the back. Whilst the front façade preserves the solid, indigenous form of the existing building - with restricted openings, traditionally railed balconies and deliberate exposure of the old stone arch around the entry door - the largely glazed rear of the property offers a very contermporary, almost contrasting style.

Floor plan of M House

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Take an interactive tour of M House

Perched on a raised plateau, M House utilizes the pitch of the land to provide a four-storey dwelling whilst maintaining the illusion of a three-storey height at the front, in line with adjacent properties. The generous open planned living space takes over the lower two floors, with a bright double height area leading out to the pool and terrace at the rear. Each of the three upper floor bedrooms has direct access to balconies or terraces, so that all rooms provide strong connections to the outdoors and vistas out to the picturesque landscape and Spanish sunshine.

Perhaps the most striking and unusual feature of the interior is the ceiling, with its corrugated galvanized steel running throughout. This, coupled with the steel columns and handrails, produces a powerful, industrial feel. Poured concrete forms the floor of the roof terraces above, adding to this effect. At the same time, warm oak floors and stair treads soften the overall appearance, and the exposure of natural stone along one side wall helps to link this modern residence with the area's rich historical past. 

M House in Catalonia bridges modernity and tradition

The architectural language of the M House has a more industrial vocabulary, with dark grey, painted steel beams, columns and framing, boldly set against the lighter tones of the walls and flooring

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The corrugated galvanised steel ceilings also contribute to the industrial aesthetic.

The corrugated galvanised steel ceilings also contribute to the industrial aesthetic...

(Image credit: press)

Oak flooring and stair treads seek to soften the design

...whilst warm oak flooring and stair treads seek to soften the design

(Image credit: press)

M House in Catalonia bridges modernity and tradition

A tall double height living space, with a partial mezzanine level, overlooks the terrace and pool deck at the rear and offers stunning views out to rolling hills of Els Masos de Vespella

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The house faces a small historic square in La Nou de Gaia

The house faces a small historic square in La Nou de Gaia; the front facade's traditional features are kept in line with its context

(Image credit: press)

M House in Catalonia bridges modernity and tradition

The rear of the property opens up to the countryside beyond, maximising solar gain through full height glazing panels 

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Rear terraces and balconies frame picturesque views out over the Catalonian countryside

Rear terraces and balconies frame picturesque views out over the Catalonian countryside

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The newly constructed boundary walls were formed from local natural stone

The newly constructed boundary walls were formed from local natural stone, which complements the grey tones of the house and matches the feel of the surrounding buildings

(Image credit: press)

M House in Catalonia bridges modernity and tradition

A stepped effect on the rear facade lightens the appearence of the generous four-storey volume. The central staircase turns from solid (on the lower levels) to open risers (higher up), adding to that effect. 

(Image credit: press)
Helen Berg
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