The original single-family house Casa Magarola was built on a plot of land with an extremely steep slope, located near Barcelona. The slope here is as steep as 100 per cent. Architect Raúl Sánchez kept interference in the terrain to a minimum and based the structure on a few narrow reinforced concrete walls, thus avoiding the need for deep excavations in the rocky subsoil. The house gives the impression of almost floating above the ground and blending in with the surrounding landscape.
Structure and surroundings of Casa Magarola
The entrance to the building is designed at the top of the plot. From this side, the house presents itself as a closed, regular block. As the site descends, its lightness and the way it sits on the rocks is revealed. The concrete walls act as legs on which the whole structure supports itself. A cantilevered staircase leads to the main floor of the building. At its end, a spacious terrace is designed as an extension of the kitchen with dining area. Large sliding windows open up the interior to the beauty of the surrounding nature. The interiors of Casa Magarola are strongly connected to the surrounding landscape of the Barcelona suburbs. Branches of trees reach right up to the façade, and from everywhere in the house there are captivating views of the valley and the mountains. The lower floor was designed as an open-plan living area. A spiral staircase, bathroom and pantry are placed in the centre, while the kitchen, living room and viewing area with a long bench against the glass wall are arranged around them.
Room layout with respect for the views
The house does not have a traditional entrance. Instead, guests are greeted by a large table made of concrete and local ceppo di gré stone. It is around this piece of furniture that the spatial experience of the house begins. The entire interior is held together by a staircase that leads through a circular opening to the roof. There, there is a terrace with a panoramic view of the surroundings. On the top floor of the house, the architect designed three bedrooms and a bathroom, arranged around a central space with two balconies. The master bedroom additionally has its own bathroom and dressing room. Sliding doors allow the space to be flexibly divided according to needs. Even the shower room is positioned to take maximum advantage of the natural light and views.
Casa Magarola – proportionand light
The form of Casa Magarola is based on a golden division, which brings harmony and elegance to the design. The three facades, facing the neighbours and the road, have small but precisely placed windows. The façade facing the valley, on the other hand, is completely open and its colour is slightly lighter than the other parts of the building. This makes it stand out from the massing without losing its connection with the natural surroundings. The construction of the house is based on concrete walls and thin ceilings that are only 20 centimetres thick. Everything has been planned so that no structural elements are visible inside the building. This made it possible to create a fully open space without any barriers. From the outside, only the slender supports are visible.
Ecology and technology
The house is equipped with underfloor heating and an energy-efficient aerothermal system powered by photovoltaic panels. This is complemented by passive solutions: thermal bridge-free insulation, natural ventilation, controlled window orientation and a rainwater recovery system. The choice of materials was limited to simple, local raw materials. What is noteworthy is that only two of the more than forty trees growing on the plot were cut down. A huge boulder was placed at the foot of the staircase, which acts as the first step and pays homage to the architect Carlos Scarpa. His staircase has always been an invitation to an architectural adventure. It is the symbolic beginning of a journey through a house that harmonises with its surroundings and perhaps even enhances its beauty.
Project: Raúl Sánchez
Location: Sant Cugat del Vallés, Barcelona
Photography: José Hevia
Building area: 175 sq m.
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