Baladrar House

Baladrar House

4. March 2015

Presented by

2G digital

Baladrar House (2009-13)
Benissa (Alicante), Spain

Architects
LANGARITA NAVARRO  (María Langarita y Víctor Navarro)

Collaborators
Marta Colón, Roberto González García y Juan Palencia

Structural Engineering
Mecanismo SL

Design years
2009-10

Construction years
2010-13

Photography
Luis Díaz Díaz
Exterior retaining walls with local stone

The mountainous coast of Alicante has become a dispersed trans-European city, and its inhabitants are a diverse group who are attracted by the sun, sea, moderate climate, convenient services and lush vegetation. The promise of relaxed and hedonistic experiences captivates seasonal tourists as well as long-term residents who satisfy their expectations in scenarios full of jasmine and bougainvillea. The house slots into this context and is designed to meet the needs of several families in summer, while the rest of the year retirees live there. 

View of the coast from the swimming pool

It is set on former agricultural terraces that compensate for the steep slope of the plot, and the differences in level mean that from the upper part there are some splendid sea views in the distance. From the lower level you see a wild stream which flows into the sea at a boulder-strewn inlet. The house makes use of the views and the breeze, and it takes advantage of the different levels and vegetation to create corners where, in daytime or at night, people can simultaneously enjoy a range of activities. 

Living room

The existing trees were kept and some new species were brought in to conquer the promise of a dreamlike exuberance. The interiors cascade down the slope, with public areas at the upper level linked to terraces and lookouts. Lower down are bedrooms connected to the garden and swimming pool. A special kind of opening brings the outside activities into the interior. 

Exterior terraces

The construction uses the thermal mass of concrete and stone, and the grace of the avocado green screens and glazed tiles to cool and ventilate the house. The geometry and mineral qualities are reflected in the imposing Ifach’s Crag nearby and, with maintenance kept to a minimum, this responds to an aspiration for time travel.

Presented by

2G digital

Baladrar House (2009-13)
Benissa (Alicante), Spain

Architects
LANGARITA NAVARRO  (María Langarita y Víctor Navarro)

Collaborators
Marta Colón, Roberto González García y Juan Palencia

Structural Engineering
Mecanismo SL

Design years
2009-10

Construction years
2010-13

Photography
Luis Díaz Díaz

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