Encinas Project
- Architecture, interior design, landscaping and construction: ÁBATON
Guided by the ÁBATON work philosophy, which seeks a sincere, empathetic and tailor-made architecture for its owners and the environment in which it is located, the initial idea prioritizes offering a comfortable and connected coexistence for the family, seeking the least environmental impact.
The house is organized in two volumes that adjust to the topography of the terrain, rising slightly to visually connect with a nearby oak grove, from all spaces.
The main volume houses the public spaces (living room, kitchen and dining room) in a single circular path, separating the uses through differences in level and with the intention of eliminating obstacles and visual limits.
Between inside and outside
Large sliding window openings to the north and south are generated, transforming this main space into a large open porch in the warm seasons. In addition to facilitating ventilation and connecting the interior with the exterior vegetation, we seek to generate changing compositions through landscaping, a natural background framed by each window.
The living room opens completely towards the swimming pool and a south-facing lawn, which provides the best lighting throughout the year and guarantees a stable temperature in a natural way in the main volume of the house.
“We use the staircase as a distributing element, as a line of spatial communication that guides the routes with a sculptural concept.”
The concrete staircase, with a sculptural design that hangs from the upper floor, acts as a line of spatial communication, marking the route and the different uses of the space. It is suspended over an auxiliary piece of furniture, laminated and covered in natural oak wood, which merges with the staircase functioning as a passage area and storage space for the family. A design that combines a unique aesthetic and practicality in the daily use of the house.
On the upper floor are the children’s bedrooms, bathrooms and a private terrace for the children. In the semi-basement the space is expanded with a games room, gym, pantry and a guest bedroom.
Bringing the outside in
Seeking greater privacy for the couple, the spaces are made independent in a second volume, bringing together the bathroom and master bedroom, at double height, which in turn functions as a dressing room and office with direct views over the oak forest.
The main bathroom is located with a certain unevenness with respect to the bedroom, sinking slightly into the ground to connect directly with the most private area of the garden. The vegetation practically enters the bath area as if it were an outdoor space.
Constructively, we sought to take advantage of the thermal inertia of concrete as the main structural system. To bring warmth and natural sensations to the house and connect the interior with the environment, wood was used as a secondary structure, visible in most of the spaces.
The project represents a balance between functionality, aesthetics and connection with the environment. Its design seeks to respond honestly to the needs of the family, encouraging a life in connection. Through site-sensitive architecture, conscious use of materials and an intelligent layout that favors light, ventilation and privacy, this house values both beauty and practicality in everyday living.
