by using the exterior stairs in the original
passageway at the entrance of the building
is located above the main one, to complete
the height of the annexed building. To
reinforce the idea of an open floor plan, a
storage feature is built into the perimeter
of the space, freeing up indoor space and
highlighting the traditional wooden roof.
The only partial modifications to the
existing architecture are those made to
the facades. The existing openings have
been enlarged on the east-facing and
west-facing facades, with the idea of
incorporating nature, and the inviting views
of the Cantabrian mountains, into the
interior. The north-facing and south-facing
facades were in poor condition and have
been opened completely. Another notable
feature of the house is its privacy system
consisting of sliding louvers on the south-
facing facade, giving users full freedom to
communicate with the outdoors. best views can be admired. The new space
consists of accommodation for guests,
a meeting room, a sauna and a transition
porch area beside the pool.
The extension building has been designed
from a more rational perspective, heir of a
classically modern style. Its L-shape and
its position on the site —almost in contact
with the existing building, but not touching
it— have facilitated the creation of an open
space between the buildings. This is where
the pool is located, and where the site’s About materials, the intervention has
adopted the existing style. Local woods,
stone from the area, white facades
and tiles, together they make up the
aesthetic of the unit. The concrete and
the metal structure afford a contemporary
counterpoint to this outstanding example
of traditional Cantabrian architecture.
TECHNICAL SHEET
Project: House in Güemes, conversion of a
stable into a house
Architect: Zooco Estudio
Location: Güemes, Cantabria, España
Square Meters: 310 m2
Completed: 2019
Photographer: Imagen Subliminal
www.zooco.es
www.refurbandrestore.co.uk - 15