A house of five volumes designed by architect Marià Castelló has found its place in the terraced landscape of the San Mateo plain on the island of Ibiza.
The dramatic topography, where terraces of stone walls once defined for agriculture have been overtaken with pine and juniper forests, guided the design of the holiday house. It sits between two existing dry stone walls on a flat piece of land bordered by rugged nature, and it was a respect for the natural environment that drove the distinct plan of the house.
Architect Castelló, who founded his practice in 2002 in Formentera, has always been inspired by the landscapes of the Pitiüsas islands. As a result, his architectural work has developed a strong presence of serenity, harmony and precision, reflecting the character of the island culture.
This house, named Ca l'Amo, is formed of five floating volumes. The open space that weaves between them allows for movement, ventilation and connects inhabitants to the natural environment. The first three volumes of the series hold a large family living space. A pool sits between the fourth volume, an open yet shaded outdoor space, and the fifth which houses a guest annex.
Open plan space for social activity inside is furnished with custom-designed furniture, the Xamena sofa by Jose Gandia Blasco and Ramón Esteve for Gandía Blasco, and pieces from the D12 Collection designed by Castelló and Lorena Ruzafa.
The construction reflects the same openness of the living spaces. Materials such as the structural cross-laminated timber inside, and the exposed facade panels of thermo-treated wood outside express sincerity of form. While limestone terraces and paths connect the volumes through the landscape.
Like an island itself, the house is designed to be self-sufficient. While natural ventilation is enhanced by the design and construction, the house also takes advantage of the natural cooling of shade and vegetation. Plus a rainwater cistern that stores 200 tonnes of water.
INFORMATION
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