MORFAE

the shape of things: architecture, design, interior, art, style

15.03 2011

Atrium House by Fran Silvestre Arquitectos in Godella, Valencia, Spain

The house was designed around the concept of maximizing the feeling of spaciousness.

Photo by Fernando Alda

This house by Fran Silvestre Arquitectos, situated in an urban area, was designed around the concept of maximizing the feeling of spaciousness using two strategies:

The first strategy was to transfer this feeling in the center of the site allowing users to enjoy a private space with an incalculable height and volume. The perimeter of the house was enhanced without losing its connection with the outside world. The second strategy uses the existing slope to the ravine in order to bring light into the basement thus making it possible to accommodate the residence’s program.

The residence is developed along the southern and western edges of the site, defining the boundaries of an atrium with a diagonal view towards Sierra Calderona. Access is made through the south facade near the corner of the intersection of the two volumes where the stairs and the kitchen are placed forming the backbone of the house’s services. Roof incisions carry the light in the large living spaces on the South which along with the roof to ceiling openings add to the feeling of lightness. The living space on the West has a more domestic scale and frames views of the water and its reflections. The garage and cellar are located in the basement.