Casa La Floresta
La Floresta, Barcelona
2023
Residential
A private place in nature
La Floresta in Sant Cugat is a garden city surrounded by the Collserola Natural Park, which borders the city of Barcelona to the north. The project is situated on one of the limits of the urbanized area, serving as a connection between it and the forested region. Access can be gained from two roads on either side of the plot, culminating at its boundaries in the form of cul-de-sac. Consequently, the house will be permanently enveloped by a Natural Park in the future, making its location particularly privileged. On the plot, which is expansive and has a steep slope, there is a covering at the level of the upper road, resembling a large planter. This incorporates the spontaneous vegetation of the park itself, functioning as an extension of it. The proposal is respectful and sensitive, revealing the essence of the location, with architecture perceived as an extension of the landscape, blending into nature, silent and nearly imperceptible. The house remains unseen from the upper street, seemingly disappearing. The recognition of its components is intended to be subtle, providing a unique and intense experience during access. The entrance ritual hints at what might unfold. Every corner is meticulously designed to evoke movement. Materials are selected for their expressive potential and their capacity to transform with light, engaging all our senses. The entrance patio, housing the central concrete staircase connecting all floors, is adorned with vegetation hanging from the roof and intermediate planters, simultaneously filtering the light. Two materials are mainly used. The use of concrete, with a tonality achieved through aggregates from the plot and a texture specifically designed for this project, is complemented by oak for interior finishes. The warmth of oak contrasts with and softens the potential coldness of concrete. Time is treated as a project material, ith material choices based on their ability to enhance in appearance as they age. The result is an intimate habitat, a personal space fostering intense and memorable experiences. Concerning the interior layout, the most private part of the house is situated on the top floor, while the day area occupies the middle floor, designed to be open and transparent to the landscape. The place is unbeatable and despite large openings, the location offers intimacy in all spaces, with the continuous presence of the forest. The lower, semi-underground floor houses leisure spaces, defined by local llicorella rock and concrete walls, subtly illuminated by a large opening leading to the pool. The boundaries between interior and exterior spaces are blurred, thanks to the transparency of large glazing and the natural vegetation that infiltrates interior spaces. In conclusion, this project is unique and authentic, just minutes from the center of Barcelona, where beauty and a sense of well-being in intimate contact with nature are its primary values.
