Casa de la Encina, a house that embraces an existing Holm oak, is located in a clearing of the pine forest on the southern slope of Monte Abantos, at San Lorenzo de El Escorial (Madrid).

The house settles on a triangular plot and it is a privileged vantage point with unique views to the south: from the plain terrains of Sierra de Guadarrama to the skyline of Madrid.

Therefore the house is conceived as a large gazebo, open and clear.

‘Casa de la Encina’ is organized in two levels. The upper level is very permeable and functions like a floating pavilion on the landscape. It counts with an area of 148 square meters and contains the main public areas of the house: a living and dining room opened to the south, a library/guest room with a private dresser and bathroom, a kitchen with a pantry and a restroom. The lower level is embedded in the slope and it is opened to the south through porches and windows. It contains the private areas of the house:  three bedrooms en suite, gym room, laundry, office, store room and a play room. It counts with an area of 214 square meters.

Both the upper and the lower level are opened to exterior spaces: big covered terraces, a parking area, and a big garden with a swimming-pool.

The system that relates and connects the two levels of the house is a concrete slab that folds and shapes the overall envelope. As if it were a floor, deck plans are landscaped, so that from the top of the slope the house is perceived as natural soil, while since its interior is open and bright.

Material Used:
Facade cladding: Concrete
Treated natural wood
Flooring: Dry-pressed ceramic tiles: Mirage Granito Ceramico SpA
Dry-pressed ceramic tiles: PD14 and PD15 - PRIMAdeck
Doors: Wood
Windows: Aluminium, Galene by Technal
Aluminium, Soleal by Technal
Roofing: Concrete
Interior lighting: Brand: Jung
Interior furniture: Sofa: Yuuto by Walter Knoll
Dining table: Athos 12 by B&B Italy
Chairs: Eames chairs by Vitra
Terrace armchairs: Na Xemena by Gandia Blasco