Refuge in the Countryside

REFUGE IN THE COUNTRYSIDE

Juan Herreros Arquitectos

Refuge in the Countryside
© Juan Herreros Arquitectos

AREA
130.0 m2

YEAR
2007

LOCATION
Arta , Spain

CATEGORY
Houses

Refuge in the Countryside
© Juan Herreros Arquitectos

Text description provided by architect.

The project converts an existing vernacular structure that formerly served as a refuge for shepherds into a small residence for occasional use.

The approach consisted of replicating the original volume symmetrically to conserve the original conditions and technical function of an apparently innocent construction that was designed intelligently where its orientation, ventilation and water collection facilities, etc. were concerned.

Refuge in the Countryside
© Juan Herreros Arquitectos
Refuge in the Countryside
© Juan Herreros Arquitectos

A dry-constructed outer wall stimulates an open and voluntary dialogue with the different aspects of the local climate.

Seeing, lighting, ventilating or heating are various operations associated with two independent systems of openings and shutters that imbue the northern and southern faces with an ambiguous and enigmatic look.

The interior reproduces the original and primitive compartments (for animals, shepherds and forage) in two directions:

Refuge in the Countryside
© Juan Herreros Arquitectos
Refuge in the Countryside
© Juan Herreros Arquitectos
Refuge in the Countryside
© Juan Herreros Arquitectos

North (kitchen, bedroom and bathroom) and South (dining room, living room and study).

Each compartment contains one single major object (table, sofa, writing desk, bath, bed and cooker) which serves to define each space and its use.

Refuge in the Countryside
© Juan Herreros Arquitectos
Refuge in the Countryside
© Juan Herreros Arquitectos
Refuge in the Countryside
© Juan Herreros Arquitectos


Refuge in the Countryside
© Juan Herreros Arquitectos
Refuge in the Countryside
© Juan Herreros Arquitectos
Refuge in the Countryside
© Juan Herreros Arquitectos
Refuge in the Countryside
© Juan Herreros Arquitectos


Refuge in the Countryside
Refuge in the Countryside


Refuge in the Countryside
Refuge in the Countryside
Refuge in the Countryside