Remarkable Spanish abode efficiently utilizes a complicated site in a desirable location
In the affluent Sant Cugat del Vallès, just outside Barcelona, lies Casa Magarola – a contemporary residence that seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings.
Designed by architects led by Raul Sanchez, Casa Magarola boasts an H-shaped upper floor, featuring two hidden balconies that frame the landscape beautifully. These balconies, flanking a central hallway, allow natural light to flow into more private spaces, including a shower room. The home's carefully positioned windows contribute to its feeling of thorough connection to the outside, suggesting a thoughtful relationship with the site’s topography and views.
The architectural approach minimizes disruption, as only two out of the site’s existing 40 trees were removed during construction. Although detailed technical descriptions of the site’s terrain preservation are not readily available, the emphasis on visual connection and landscape framing indicates a design strategy that respects the existing terrain.
The interior design of Casa Magarola showcases a subtle approach to construction, with the use of slender concrete 'legs' and thin reinforced concrete slabs. Contrasting the kitchen-dining area, the home's interiors showcase vintage pieces from Fenix Originals, including 1960s Vico Magistretti chairs, a Jasper Morrison cork stool, Nani Marquina rug, and a Joan Antoni Blanc floorlamp.
The living room, connected to the kitchen-dining area, includes a fireplace. The interior design features a spacious kitchen-dining area with a concrete and Ceppo di Gre stone island, and a built-in bench along the entire glazed facade. A bathroom and pantry are hidden away in a central block.
Casa Magarola spans 175 sq m and has an open-plan living area with stunning views. The balconies are strategically positioned to frame sideways views of the landscape. The home's design philosophy aims to respect and enhance the natural beauty of its surroundings.
Despite the steepness of the site, Casa Magarola is highly energy-efficient, featuring solar panels and a rainwater collection system. The exterior of the house is a white metal fence and a terracotta-hued block, described as a 'regular and hermetic volume'. The entrance to the house is a square balcony, enveloped by a green canopy, accessible via stairs.
Artworks by Spanish artists such as Manu Manu Munoz, Francisco Suarez, Catalina Montana, and Inigo Arregi are displayed throughout the house, sourced from Victor Lope Arte Contemporaneo. This architectural masterpiece is a testament to the harmony between modern design and the preservation of nature.
The interior design of Casa Magarola, with its subtle approach to construction and thoughtful incorporation of vintage pieces, reflects a unique lifestyle that seamlessly blends contemporary style with a appreciation for past designs, creating a distinctive home-and-garden ambiance.
The exterior design of Casa Magarola, featuring solar panels, rainwater collection system, and careful preservation of existing trees, epitomizes an interior-design philosophy that respects and enhances the natural beauty of its surroundings, embodying a harmonious integration of modern design with the preservation of nature.
