Located on the outskirts of a rural town in southern Córdoba, the Freedom House is surrounded by expansive olive groves to the north. Named after the street it stands on, this house was designed as a retirement home for the architect’s parents. The layout includes a main room that serves as both living and dining areas, a kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, two patios, and a terrace. This project is a collaboration between father and son, both architects.
The building sits on a rectangular 7 x 20 meter plot and is rotated 45 degrees around its main axis. This unusual positioning is not ideal for a typical urban environment, but it fits the rural setting, creating a unique spatial experience.
To maintain harmony with the traditional domestic architecture of warm climates, the design draws direct inspiration from classical residences, Islamic homes, and local vernacular styles. The building is conceived as a self-contained box, closed off from the outside world, yet it opens inward to a central courtyard. This courtyard becomes the heart of family life, providing a private and intimate outdoor space within the home.
The project aims to create a spacious family home using minimal elements, focusing on efficiency and speed of construction. This approach simplifies the architectural and structural system while ensuring comfort and functionality.
Committed to sustainability, the project uses local materials to minimize environmental impact and incorporates passive cooling techniques. Movable wooden blinds regulate solar gain—capturing warmth in winter while providing shade in summer. The design reduces thermal bridging, maximizes cross ventilation, and leverages thermal mass to create a breathable, healthy living environment with very low energy consumption.
The design, structural integrity, construction process, and overall comfort are all unified through a consistent strategy emphasizing the quality of materials. These materials are primarily sourced locally, reflecting the character of the city and its traditional buildings.
Project Drawings
△ Base schematic diagram
△ First floor plan
△ Second floor plan
△ Section 1
△ Section 2
△ Section 3
△ Section 4
△ Section 5
△ Section 6
△ Section 7
△ Section 8
Project Information
Architect: GRAO
Area: 80 square meters
Project Year: 2023
Manufacturers: Cortinas del Río, Lampenwelt, Terraces Andalucia, Three
Chief Architect: Francisco García Ramírez
Location: Encinas Reales, Spain
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