Gandarillas House responds to the environmental conditions of its coastal setting through an elevated structure that separates the living spaces from the natural terrain. Located in a seismically active region close to the beach, the residence integrates strategies for climate responsiveness, safety and spatial efficiency. Rather than occupying the ground with enclosed rooms, the entire residential programme is raised above the site. The space beneath remains open, accommodating a swimming pool, garden, terraces, barbecue area, outdoor fireplace and other communal facilities.
This arrangement preserves the ground level as an outdoor living environment while concentrating the enclosed functions within a single elevated volume. It also establishes a closer visual relationship between the residence and the surrounding coastal landscape.
Designing for coastal resilience
The decision to elevate the building addresses the potential risks associated with its proximity to the ocean. By leaving the ground level largely unobstructed, the design allows seawater to pass beneath the occupied volume during unusual tides or coastal surges. This strategy aims to reduce the building's exposure to flooding, particularly in the event of earthquake-related coastal hazards.
The elevated configuration also provides an additional layer of security. As a holiday residence that remains unoccupied for extended periods, the house benefits from separating its principal living spaces from direct ground-level access. These considerations are integrated into the architectural organisation rather than addressed through independent protective elements. However, the effectiveness of the flood-resilience strategy would depend on the structure's engineering and the severity of any coastal event.
A ventilated double façade
The building incorporates a double-skin façade designed to moderate solar exposure and improve indoor thermal comfort. An external layer of perforated steel wraps around the main volume, separated from the inner building envelope by a 50-centimetre ventilated cavity.
This secondary skin intercepts solar radiation before it reaches the primary façade. Some radiation is reflected, while the ventilated air gap helps dissipate accumulated heat, reducing direct solar gains and potentially lowering cooling requirements. The perforations also filter daylight, producing softer and more evenly distributed interior illumination.
At the same time, the outer layer provides privacy and offers some protection against wind and salt-laden coastal air. Its appearance changes with daylight conditions and viewing angles, creating a visually permeable enclosure without sacrificing the building's environmental functions.
Compact living and an accessible roof
The residential programme is organised on one elevated level, integrating the kitchen, dining area, living room, bedrooms and terrace. This arrangement reduces internal circulation requirements and maintains visual connections between domestic activities and the surrounding landscape.
Vertical circulation continues to the roof, which functions as an additional outdoor living area and viewing platform. By accommodating recreation above the main volume, the design expands usable space without increasing the building's footprint.
