CASA MAGDALENA

Samitier, La Fueva, 2011

A self-sufficient rural family home in Sobrarbe, Aragon near Aínsa.

Conceived as a living experiment in sustainable holistic architecture, healthy for body, mind and environment.
The integration of the building into the landscape, the interior-exterior relationship, and passive design features were of particular importance in the search for low impact architecture responsive to its environment and climate.
The exterior has a more rustic appearance, in keeping with the local traditional architecture (a requirement of conservation regulations), while the interiors are open, light filled and with natural materials. Distant views of the mountains are incorporated into the design, as well as highly flexible spaces which support the changing dynamics of contemporary family life.
In order to achieve a high degree of efficiency in energy and water use, both active and passive innovative systems have been used, reducing running costs.
Particular care was taken in the choice of materials favouring local, non toxic and low environmental impact products.