White house with solar panels behind a stone wall and green door, with a forested hill in the background.

A white modern house with solar panels on the roof is visible behind a rustic stone wall and a green door. The background features a forested hillside under a clear blue sky.

Story

A harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary architecture

Nestled in the Historic Centre of Villafranca del Bierzo, the CL House by Estudio Arquitectura Hago is a testament to the seamless integration of historical reverence and modern design. Situated next to the Convent of La Anunciada and near the confluence of the Valcárcel and Burbia rivers, this residence is a dialogue between the past and present.

The plot, once concealing the remnants of an old stone dwelling, presents a unique topographical challenge with multiple façade fronts across two levels. The upper level, accessible from Rúa Nueva, serves as a lookout point, opening towards the valley, while the lower level, connected to Plaza de la Anunciada, embraces a historic courtyard defined by stone remains uncovered during excavation.

The architectural intervention mediates with its surroundings through two juxtaposed volumes, acting as a hinge between the city, landscape, and built memory. Each level houses a complete domestic program, allowing the house to be inhabited autonomously on either floor, adapting to various patterns of use over time.

Externally, the design articulates the relationship with urban space through two key decisions. A large access walkway from Rúa Nueva integrates stone walls into the built landscape, creating a gradual transition between street and dwelling. At the lower level, an inverted triangular support restructures the plot, generating a generous porch and providing the courtyard with controlled angles of privacy.

The result is a balanced coexistence of traditional architecture with contemporary spatial and compositional solutions, embedding the house in time while projecting a modern architectural narrative.

  • Two juxtaposed volumes that mediate between city, landscape, and memory

  • Upper level lookout with valley views

  • Historic courtyard defined by uncovered stone remains

  • Autonomous habitation on either floor

  • Large access walkway integrating stone walls

  • Inverted triangular support creating a porch

Category Detail
Location Villafranca del Bierzo, Spain
Architect Estudio Arquitectura Hago
Program Residential
Status Built
Key Features Traditional and contemporary blend

Technical Summary

Finishes

  • Exterior Finish: White plaster facade with stone elements.
  • Interior Finish: Vaulted wooden ceilings with minimalist cabinetry.

Materials

  • Stone — Exterior walls and structural elements.
  • Glass — Large windows and sliding doors.
  • Wood — Interior ceilings and cabinetry.

Construction / Systems

  • Structural System: Two juxtaposed volumes with an inverted triangular support structure.

Products

  • Energy System — Solar Panels (Roof-mounted for energy efficiency.)

Palette / Lighting

  • Colors: White, Stone Gray
  • Lighting: Natural light through large windows and glass doors.

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