Casa Reversa . Sierra de Ibio

A harmonious blend of tradition and modernity

Nestled in the picturesque Sierra de Ibio, Cantabria, Casa Reversa stands as a testament to the seamless integration of contemporary architecture within a traditional village setting. The design emerges from a deep respect for the local context, adhering to regulations that call for continuity with the region's architectural heritage while simultaneously reinterpreting that legacy through a modern lens.

The house is masterfully conceived as a single, L-shaped volume that folds upon itself, creating a sheltered garden and a sense of domestic intimacy. This thoughtful geometry organizes the living spaces on one level, ensuring that each room benefits from cross ventilation and abundant natural light, opening towards the south and west while maintaining privacy from the north and east.

The façade facing the street presents a solid stone front, acting as a protective barrier that preserves the home's privacy. In contrast, the garden side reveals a more open and transparent façade, enhancing the connection with the surrounding landscape. A single-pitch roof elegantly unifies the structure, reinforcing its identity as a continuous form that folds like a protective wall.

Constructed from locally sourced stone, specifically river cobblestones, the outer façade echoes the texture and depth of the region's traditional walls. The carefully arranged openings, varying in size and proportion, reflect the rhythms of daily life and the way spaces are inhabited—whether standing, seated, or in motion. This design approach pays homage to vernacular architecture, where façades tell stories of functional transformation over time.

Inside, the L-shaped configuration is defined by expansive windows that foster a continuous dialogue with the garden. Smaller openings frame picturesque views, while larger glass panels extend the landscape into the living space. The interior contrasts the robust stone exterior with dark wood and glass, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that harmonizes with the natural surroundings.

The material palette is thoughtfully curated, featuring dark timber reminiscent of traditional Cantabrian architecture, grey limestone flooring, and vibrant red accents from ceramic roof tiles and corten steel elements. This combination not only reinforces the connection to the local territory but also adds a dynamic quality to the structure, transforming rain into a visual spectacle.

The floor plan is cleverly divided into two wings: one dedicated to communal areas—living room, dining room, and kitchen centered around a fireplace and porch—and the other to private sleeping quarters, including a main bedroom and two additional rooms, one of which is adaptable with movable partitions. Casa Reversa transcends mere replication of tradition; it embodies a dialogue between the vernacular and the contemporary, asserting its identity within the landscape while speaking to the present.