Casa Balma Murada

A Harmonious Integration with Nature Casa Balma Murada, designed by MESURA, is a testament to architecture that responds to its environment rather than imposing upon it. Situated on the edge of a natural reserve, the house is a dialogue between the built and the natural, utilizing local materials and traditional construction techniques to root itself firmly in its context. The project begins with a meticulous reading of its surroundings: rocky terrain, persistent winds, and a tradition of using local resources. These factors dictate the use of stone as the primary material, sourced directly from the site during excavation. The stone walls, built using traditional techniques, are self-supporting and embrace the irregularity of the material, allowing for massive, stratified structures that adapt to ground movements and facilitate natural drainage. This method reinforces the building's cultural and physical connection to the land. The façade follows the natural topography, fragmenting to create multiple orientations and views, each interior space selectively opening towards the natural park, the sea, or the village. The house's design responds to the wind through mass, wall thickness, and geometry, with stone providing thermal inertia and climatic protection. The single-storey volume adheres to local regulations, balancing enclosure and openness, with stone mediating between interior and exterior spaces. Inside, the house adopts a Mediterranean language, emphasizing light, continuity, and calm, creating a serene atmosphere that complements the rugged exterior. The access sequence further strengthens the relationship with the terrain, with daily access through a garage embedded in the ground and a main entrance that ascends through the rocky landscape.

Design Highlights

Use of KM0 stone extracted from the site for construction Self-supporting stone walls embracing material irregularity Facade following natural topography for multiple orientations Interior spaces with a Mediterranean language emphasizing light and calm Integration of terrace and pool with views of the natural reserve

Key Facts