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Archello Awards 2026 · Enter your projects before 30 September 2026
House EM
Photo: Enrique Catro-Mendívil

House EM

The L-shaped house develops its façade toward the north. A band of pigmented concrete forms the central axis, beginning at the garden terrace, running through the house, and then extending outward to shape and enclose the main façade on the second floor. This skin receives direct sunlight, which is used to the house’s advantage: perforations in the concrete allow ochre-toned light to filter in, tinting the atmosphere of the interior spaces.

photo_credit Photo: Enrique Catro-Mendívil
Photo: Enrique Catro-Mendívil

Above, the glazed gallery functions as a Trombe wall, a solar heat-gain system placed in front of the children’s bedrooms: in summer, the gallery remains ventilated and protects the rooms from the sun; in winter, it stores heat and keeps the house warm while still allowing sunlight to pass through.

photo_credit Photo: Enrique Catro-Mendívil
Photo: Enrique Catro-Mendívil
photo_credit Photo: Enrique Catro-Mendívil
Photo: Enrique Catro-Mendívil

The site slopes downward from front to back. The first floor is stepped across four levels, following the natural contours of the land, with a maximum level difference of 1.25 meters. Thanks to this, from the entrance above, the rest of the site can be seen. The house also offers different circulation paths: one can enter directly into the garden and barbecue area, or move through the interior of the social area. On the second floor, a bridge connects to the main bedroom. From there, the view overlooks the entire house.

photo_credit Photo: Enrique Catro-Mendívil
Photo: Enrique Catro-Mendívil
photo_credit Photo: Enrique Catro-Mendívil
Photo: Enrique Catro-Mendívil
Caption

Project credits

Architects

Project data

Project Year
2014
Primary Building Material
Concrete
Wood
Building Area
325 m2
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