This red brick residence, designed by Mesura Architecture Studio in Barcelona, is situated in Alicante, Spain. Its distinctive continuous curved arches create a circular, tooth-shaped roof profile.
Photographer Eduardo Iborra Wicksteed and his wife Belinda commissioned Mesura Architecture Studio to expand their home and name it the “IV Residence.” The property is located in a rural area on the outskirts of Elche.
Due to the region’s hot and humid climate, the architects designed an extended red brick structure with an arched roof. This roof covers the new lounge, bedroom, and courtyard, providing ample shade below.
The original building stood at the center of the site, surrounded by an undefined environment characterized by low-quality space and limited indoor-outdoor connections, according to the architect. The new arched canopy has revitalized the residence, enhancing its spatial dynamics.
Large semi-circular windows are integrated between the continuous “circular teeth” of the roof. The red brick walls invite natural light deep into the interior. Inside, the materials mainly consist of exposed brick walls, smooth ceramic flooring, and white-painted surfaces.
Underneath the four arches lie distinct areas of the residence. The design intentionally breaks the traditional hierarchy between indoor and outdoor spaces, giving equal significance to all flat surfaces.
The architect explained that the layout aims to divide private living spaces according to climate, solar orientation, sightlines, terrain, and surrounding greenery.
At the far end of the expansion, the bedroom with its own bathroom faces a private courtyard adjacent to the tennis court. A perforated brick wall blocks direct views through the sliding glass door, ensuring the bedroom’s privacy.
On the opposite side, a glass-covered lounge opens onto the courtyard, where an original site tree has been preserved. Its branches grow upward through the gaps in the curved roof.
The bathroom block divides the building into two sections, connected to the original structure by a narrow corridor. The original house included three separated bedrooms and a spacious kitchen.
△ General layout plan
△ Plan view
△ Conceptual profile
△ Detailed section
Photo by Pedro Pegenaute
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