Located just outside Barcelona on a steeply sloping forested site, La Calma House by Ramon Esteve Estudio provides a sheltered place of refuge where one can retreat from the busy pace of city life. The home’s heavy exterior walls form a protective shell, sheltering the living space from the access road and neighbouring properties while expansively opening the main living space up to the surrounding trees and sloping landscape.
In response to the steep slope, the house volume is compact with outside terraces designed to accommodate a pool, barbeque area and several gardens. The colour of the concrete, an off-white, blends with the local stone that surrounds while wood and corten steel accents highlight the tones of surrounding tree trunks.
Inside, the main living areas are located on the ground floor. Including a dramatic double-height space with feature bookshelf, the living area is organized around a double-sided fireplace. While openings in the concrete exterior are carefully positioned, providing framed views to the exterior, the key façade of the living area is wide open and expansive.
Bedrooms are located upstairs, where views and sun are kept under careful control thanks to sliding louvered shutters. The interior is finished with a light wood that brings a sense of warmth into the house.
