Half Buried House, Aspe´s half buried house is located in the typical inner Alicante´s half desertic landscape, amongst irrigated crops and low mountains of great beauty, yet surrounded by a single family residential tissue, dense and repetitive. Winters are not too cold, and at the same time there is a dominant West wind that lowers thermal feeling. Summers are very hot and dry. Project´s main goal was to achieve an special place, highly related to landscape, in order to live comfortably. Project´s strategy was to work at the same time plot, landscape and building, to obtain the most of them, enhancing themselves to each other.
Photography by © Andrés Flasjzer
Landscape is a prolongation of the garden, which is a prolongation of the home. Thermal confort was achieved by partially burying the dwelling. Thanks to that, the house takes advantage of the thermal inertia, that naturally adjusts temperature. This, together with a targeted orientation that obtains winnings in winter and protection in summer, plus a crossed ventilation, results into a thermal responsive home. By burying the house taking advantage of the plot´s slope, two flat levels are activated: the terrace-garden area above, plus the house level where pool is located as well.
Photography by © Andrés Flasjzer
House´s floor plan has S shape, attached to plot´s west edge, where entrance is located too. Dwelling is required pass in order to access the plot, protecting at the same time the pool. Inner S side generates an open court where main rooms and circulation face, creating an extension of inner space towards outer garden, without an intimacy loss. Result is a white construction that highlights the house, and that embeds itself into the terrain, interweaving with gardens, courtyards, inner spaces and terraces, creating different ways of experiencing the place, and relating to the landscape.
Project Info:
Architects: eneseis architects
Location: Alicante, Spain
Year: 2012
Type: Residential
Photographs: Andrés Flasjzer
Architects In Charge: Daniel Solbes, Jose Luis Durán
Collaborating Architect: Daniel Cano, Luis Hernandez
Manufacturers: Petit fuster, Primetal, Terral
Hadeer Shahin is the Built Projects Editor at Arch2O, where she curates innovative architectural works from around the globe. With a background in architecture from Alexandria University and hands-on experience in design and digital content, she bridges the gap between technical precision and editorial vision. Hadeer’s keen eye for spatial storytelling and her passion for contemporary design trends make her a vital contributor to Arch2O’s mission of highlighting excellence in the built environment.