Alosno is a small village situated in the Andahuaro district of Huelva province, in southwestern Spain. Known for its vibrant flamenco style called Fandango and the world-famous Jamón Ibérico ham deli, Alosno also lies near the historic Tharsis mine. This proximity has influenced the local architectural style, which reflects British colonial elements. Under these conditions, we were commissioned to design a single-family residence, which the client described as “following tradition.”
The design accommodates distinct functional zones, including an independent garage and a single-story structure on a narrow 7 x 40 meter plot. We viewed this as an excellent opportunity to approach unconventional ideas with a pragmatic, critical perspective, a methodology that we believe helps us transcend typical design clichés.
▲ General layout plan
We chose to embrace the traditional concept through pure architectural expression, employing a load-bearing brick wall system running parallel to the facade—a traditional approach we rarely use. This system allowed us to shift the main facade from the narrow end of the plot to the longer 40-meter side, resulting in a standalone residence featuring a single continuous space between load-bearing walls. The building is capped with a 40-meter-long asphalt roof, ranging from 6.5 to 7.5 meters in width.
The different residential functions are oriented towards the new main facade, while the garage occupies the original main facade, positioned opposite the atrium, which serves as the primary entrance. Although initially planned as a separate structure, the garage is now integrated within the overall design to enhance the unity of the residence.
To better support the sloping roof both structurally and aesthetically, we rhythmically curved the exterior facade. These curved walls are built from two types of BIM-engineered bricks: one rectangular, the other with a sloping surface. This approach enhances the visual interest of the 40-meter-long wall, turning potential monotony into a deliberate architectural rhythm. We aim to achieve a harmonious balance in this design element.
Interior Views:
Architectural Night Views:
Design Drawings:
▲ Plan view
▲ Elevation view
▲ Sectional view
▲ Sectional view
▲ Detail image
Project Information:
Architectural Firm: Studio Wet
Project Location: 21520 Alosno, Huelva, Spain
Lead Architects: Jose Gómez Mora, Daniel Montes
Year of Project: 2019
Photography: Fernando Alda
Collaborators: Anna Marchant, Isabe(BIM)lla Duffield, Jane Ching-Yee Ling, Matthew Forbes-Yandi, Anabel Orellana, Rohit Nandha
Structure: Pedro Lobato
Equipment: Víctor Silveira
Executive Manager: Jose Maria Sanchez Garcia
Promotion: Juan Antonio Borrero Calvo
Construction: Construcciones En General Borrero Y Redondo SLL
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