Article source: James & Mau

The terrain is located on a slope looking at the valley that dominates the Strait of the Gibraltar. The climate is Mediterranean with hot summers and soft winters, both humid, and very much influenced by the strong winds of Tarifa. The vernacular architecture of Andalusian “pueblos blancos”* with its patios and narrow streets reflects how the local building style adapts to the climate. Finally, the client expected us to propose to him not just a mere residential house but a complex area that would permit the development of several indoor and outdoor activities.As a result we proposed to condensate a “pueblo” on 300 m2 and turn it into a contemporary “cortijo”.  The rules that determine the design are the same as the ones behind its inspiring prototypes.

Image Courtesy © Erika Mayer

• Architects: James & Mau
• Project: Tarifa House
• Location: El Portón de Tarifa, Province Cadiz, Spain
• Photography: Erika Mayer
  
• Contractor and Manager: Infiniski
  
• Constructed Area: 300 m²
• Execution Time: 4 months
• Year: 2013

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