A contemporary house with a dark facade and large windows, set in a wooded area on a slope.

A modern house with a dark exterior, situated on a sloping plot surrounded by trees. The building features large windows that reflect warm light, and a staircase leads up from the lower ground to the entrance area.

A contemporary architectural structure with a unique shape, elevated on stilts, surrounded by greenery and rocky terrain.
Close-up of a building with corrugated metal exterior and wooden windows, surrounded by trees and rocky terrain.
A wooden terrace with a dining table and chairs surrounded by trees and greenery.
Interior of a modern house featuring wooden walls and ceiling, a kitchen area with stainless steel appliances, and round pendant lights.
Staircase in a wooden interior with a metal railing and large windows.
Interior of a contemporary wooden house featuring a kitchen and a staircase.
Interior kitchen space with wooden paneling and a window looking out to trees.
Interior kitchen space with a central island and metal staircase.
Interior space of a modern wooden house with beams and large windows.
Interior space of a modern wooden house with natural light, showcasing a minimalist design.
Interior of a modern house with wooden paneling, a metal staircase, and a light-colored sofa.
A staircase with a metal frame and mesh railings, set in a wooden interior space with a curtain.
View of a staircase in a contemporary interior with wooden paneling and a metal railing.
Interior staircase with wooden walls and a skylight in Casa CLO.
Interior view of a bathroom with wooden elements and modern fixtures.
Interior view of a bedroom with wooden finishes, large windows, and a bed.
Interior space with wooden surfaces, showing doorways and a living area in the background.
A room with wooden paneling, a skylight, and a window overlooking greenery. There is a long table and chairs.
Site plan of Casa CLO, featuring three volumes and a swimming pool on a sloped plot with trees.
Floor plan of Casa CLO showing three volumes and interior layout.
Floor plan showing the layout of Casa CLO with three distinct volumes and interior spaces.
Floor plan of Casa CLO with three volumes and surrounding trees.
Section drawing of a modern house on a slope, illustrating multiple levels and a staircase.
Section view of a house on a slope, showing different levels and structural elements.
Section view of Casa CLO illustrating the internal arrangement and design elements such as the staircase.

Story

Embracing nature with elegance and sustainability

Nestled in a small coastal town in Tarragona, Casa CLO emerges gracefully from a sloping plot, harmonizing with the topography and existing woodland to create inviting living spaces among the tree canopies. The site, characterized by rocky ground and a steep incline, offers access solely from its lowest point, while the distant sea peeks through the pine forest from the highest vantage point.

Designed for a family from Barcelona seeking a tranquil retreat, Casa CLO reflects the clients' desire for a home that engages with its natural surroundings. The architects, Alventosa Morell, were granted creative freedom to define the design strategy and materiality, resulting in a structure that respects the existing trees and landscape.

To minimize earthworks and associated costs, the program is organized into three distinct volumes, strategically positioned at varying levels atop the plot to maximize sea views. This arrangement avoids the need to fell any trees, creating a slight rotation in plan that lends an organic quality to the overall composition.

The lightweight timber structure transfers the load to just ten columns, allowing for minimal ground intervention with only ten point foundations. This design choice not only echoes the verticality of the surrounding forest but also invites the natural essence of the outdoors into the interior spaces.

Adhering to planning regulations, an excavation along the street edge accommodates the parking area. A staircase along the side of the plot leads visitors to the upper levels, first reaching the swimming pool and then the entrance terrace. Upon entering, guests are greeted by a double-height dining area that visually connects the communal spaces of the three volumes. A metal staircase provides access to additional levels, leading to a second floor featuring a double-height study and a bedroom, as well as two more bedrooms on the top floor.

  • Three distinct volumes arranged at different levels to maximize views

  • Lightweight timber structure minimizing ground intervention

  • Double-height dining space enhancing spatial connectivity

  • Integration of existing trees into the design to preserve the natural landscape

  • Metal staircase providing a modern aesthetic and functional access

Feature Details
Project Year 2025
Area 140 m²
Architect Alventosa Morell
Location Tarragona, Spain

Technical Summary

Finishes

  • Interior Walls: Wooden walls throughout the interior spaces.
  • Ceiling: Wooden ceilings in various rooms.
  • Flooring: Wooden flooring in the living areas.

Materials

  • Wood — Structural and finishing elements.
  • Metal — Staircases and railings.
  • Glass — Windows allowing natural light.
  • Ceramic — Bathroom fixtures.

Construction / Systems

  • Timber Structure: The structure is supported by ten columns with limited ground intervention.

Products

  • Not specified

Palette / Lighting

  • Colors: dark, natural wood tones, green
  • Lighting: Natural light through large windows.

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