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Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination. Villa CP in Girona, Spain by ZEST architectureApril 23rd, 2016 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: ZEST architecture An old stone-built ruin in a breathtaking setting, surrounded by 25 hectares of oak forest with distant views of the Mediterranean sea. Local building regulations stipulate that the building had to be rebuilt as it once was, but the owners were seeking a more spectacular and modern house.  Image Courtesy © Jesús Granada
 Image Courtesy © Jesús Granada Our work aimed to create a modern, luxury estate in an old stone envelope. We’ve opened the house up on all sides, letting the light flood in and bringing the view inside. The house sits on a steep incline and we’ve connected house and garden on various levels.  Image Courtesy © Jesús Granada  Image Courtesy © Jesús Granada When this was a farmhouse, traditionally the animals would have lived downstairs, with the livings spaces upstairs. We therefore chose to place the bedrooms on the lower level (so they stay nice and cool in summer) and the living spaces on the first floor, to make best use of the views and to allow direct access to the newly created south facing part of the garden with the swimming pool.  Image Courtesy © Jesús Granada  Image Courtesy © Jesús Granada The old and the new (that which will age) strengthen each other in this project through their opposition and juxtaposition. The old has been left visible with all its scars, while new materials such as Corten steel, wood and clay, were chosen for the beauty of their natural imperfections and the way in which the traces left by time make them even more beautiful. Rain, wind, human touch…. will make sure that this house will be even more beautiful over time.  Image Courtesy © Jesús Granada  Image Courtesy © Jesús Granada The house is now insulated to Passivhaus standards, using cork insulation, which is locally produced (in part from the cork of this house’s estate). These are set behind Claytec panels of straw en clay, making sure the old stone wall remains a breathable construction, while keeping the warmth in during winter and the heat out in summer. Natural Claytec plaster eliminates the need for paint, making the house an utterly non-chemical environment.  Image Courtesy © Jesús Granada  Image Courtesy © Jesús Granada ZEST designed special sliding windows, which disappear into the wall when opened, so that the view towards the sea is uninterrupted. A natural pool with a plant and gravel filter system provides an additional spectacular view from the living spaces year round. The house has a geothermal installation for heating and hot water, and stays pleasantly cool in summer without air conditioning, thanks to well designed cross ventilation through open doors and windows.  Image Courtesy © Jesús Granada  Image Courtesy © ZEST architecture  Image Courtesy © ZEST architecture  Image Courtesy © ZEST architecture  Image Courtesy © ZEST architecture  Image Courtesy © ZEST architecture
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