House E+M
Located in the historical centre of Sant Cugat del Vallés, this row house is converted into a project in direct dialogue with the city.
A project that responds to the urban complexities of its context: the Monastery outskirts, Cultural Heritage aspects, the main façade and roof that need to be preserved, a width of less than 5 metres and a difference in topographical elevation between the two streets that constitute the extremes of the parcel. A new concrete panel house is inserted within the existing row house. The common walls thicken, beginning to act as filter and distribution spaces, generating on one side the storage area and on the other the “promenade”. These thickened elements constitute interior façades lengthwise that heighten the spacial sensation cross-wise. Within the concrete house, wooden planes adapt to the topography and openings within the existing façades. The difference in topographical elevation is used to generate cross viewpoints and to introduce light through the created void that reaches all the way down to the half basement. House distribution is fragmented, avoiding continuity of the horizontal plan much in line with Adolf Loos´ “Raumplan”. The sequence of house within a house eventuates in guiding materiality from urban to domestic. A void junction marks the transition and allows light and viewpoints to permeate the entire volume. This interior void becomes the square or public space of the house. A space of interlocked glances where relations are constructed through the furniture-rails that spill onto it.
