HOUSE AMONG HOLM OAKS
PROJECT IDEA
The project focuses on the construction of a family home on a plot with variable topography and five holm oaks, located in the municipality of Valdemorillo, northwest Madrid. As a placement strategy, the house is positioned at the back of the plot, allowing for a large, open landscaped area—simple and austere—evoking the traditional Dehesa. The house is designed on a single level, adapting its geometry to the natural clearings between the holm oaks. One of the key values of this home is the seamless integration of the architectural volume with the existing natural environment.
THE HOUSE AND ITS CONTEXT
Considering the placement constraints, the house is designed with three main sections that geometrically adapt to accommodate the residential program while respecting the natural surroundings and creating different scenic interactions with the landscape. Each section opens onto a patio visually connected to one of the existing holm oaks. This solution creates spaces that feel both intimate and open, fostering a clear relationship between the functions of each wing and a controlled private outdoor space. The south-facing façade, which includes the largest space, houses both the daytime living area and the main suite. The living area enjoys open views of the entire plot and landscape, while the suite is directly linked to the largest holm oak, establishing a more intimate and sheltered connection. This prominent holm oak is embraced by an infinity-edge pool designed as a natural pond that emerges from the terrain due to the site's topography.
THE ROOF
The roof is the defining feature of the house. It adapts to the organic geometry of the structure, allowing the house to nestle delicately among the holm oaks. The roof deforms into different interconnected sections responding to the site's natural conditions. This architectural element gives the house scale within the plot establishing a direct dialogue with the height of the surrounding trees. Resting on the perimeter walls, the roof shapes the spatial and volumetric experience of the house. It also provides a sense of openness, reaching its highest point in the living areas and gently or abruptly descending toward the perimeter.
FLEXIBILITY IN DESIGN
The project meets the client's current needs while incorporating a flexible open-plan layout that allows for future modifications as the family's needs evolve. The house is built on structural perimeter walls, freeing up the interior space. The proportional width of the bays allows for easy reconfiguration of the layout. A series of interconnected spaces have been designed to minimize the need for hallways and circulation areas.
LANDSCAPING
The landscaping follows a principle of minimal intervention preserving the existing natural features and adopting a low-water consumption approach. A concrete pool is strategically placed in the large open area of the plot, oriented entirely to the south. Topographic modifications have been carried out in the most natural way possible, creating gentle transitions in the terrain and avoiding retaining walls. Where necessary, the plot’s perimeters have been treated with masonry walls built from locally sourced natural stone.
MATERIALITY AND CONSTRUCTION
The materiality of the house is defined by a structural exposed concrete base, which enables an open-plan interior ensuring long-term flexibility and adaptability. Resting on this robust concrete plinth, a black flat-tile pitched roof is placed, creating high, distinctive interior spaces while giving the house a strong presence from the outside. The construction process was particularly interesting: after pouring the concrete walls and installing the ventilated slab foundation using the cupular system, the entire house was built using dry construction techniques. The roof structure was prefabricated in sections off-site and then assembled on-site, with the supports adjusted as needed. Lower sections of the roof volume were enclosed using precast hollow-core slabs fixed onto the concrete walls.
CONSTRUCTION PROCESS
The black flat tiles were installed using a batten system fixed to a corrugated sheet that works in conjunction with the structural beams. Insulation was added internally to this system.
The simplicity of the construction solutions optimized the building process avoiding unnecessary complexity beyond the geometric challenges posed by the roof structure.
