GRAS Reynés Arquitectos

Kubik Extension

KUBIK EXTENSION

GRAS Arquitectos

Kubik Extension
José Hevia

ARCITECTS
Gras Arquitectos

AREA
950 M²

LOCATION
Palma, Spain

CATEGORY
Renovation, Extension

Kubik Extension
José Hevia

Text description provided by architect.

XTREME CONTRAST

Extension of a single-family detached home in Mallorca. The intervention in an existing building, and even more so with the ambition of this project, is always a delicate matter.

In this case the client wanted to add many programme requirements to the current house: an indoor pool, a game room and several rooms in addition to reorganizing the existing dwelling.

Kubik Extension
José Hevia
Kubik Extension
José Hevia

It was chosen, after much research, to extend the house through an exercise of EXTREME CONTRAST. The possibility of intervening in the façades of the existing house to adjust them to a more current aesthetic was cast aside instead the contemporary language of the new volumes was emphasized to maximise contrast.

The result is a series of "boxes" that surround and embrace the old house, generating an innovative combination between the existing building and the new "boxes" of steel.

This combination enhances both architectures: the framing of the new volumes highlights the old, of little value and the new stands out greatly in contrast to the former.

Kubik Extension
José Hevia
Kubik Extension
José Hevia
Kubik Extension
José Hevia

The materialisation of the project was in line with the concept

The original building was left in the same state, painted white, with sloping Arab tile roofs and wood carpentry, whilst the extension was done with Corten steel searching for rotundity of the elements.

Corten steel is a material that clearly contrasts with the already existing dwelling, as required by the concept. It is also a "living" material that changes over the years; acquiring the patina that test of time provides to noble materials.

The combination of both languages ​​creates interesting situations and new programmes for the dwelling.

Kubik Extension
José Hevia
Kubik Extension
José Hevia

The entrance sequence, which is essential in a house, is enhanced by architectural intervention: a new volume conceived as porch wraps-up arrivals; and the volume that houses the new bathroom of the main room projects over the garden creating a new porch which emphasises the exit to the garden, as well as it offers spectacular views over the bay of Palma.

At the far ends of the house both the new bedroom as well as the game room project from the main volume stretching the house and spanning more garden and providing further views.

Kubik Extension
José Hevia
Kubik Extension
José Hevia

Finally the indoor pool and spa are below ground level. This unique space features a swimming pool, a small spa area and gym.

A large window to the south maximizes the relationship with the surroundings and views, so that the SPA can become a semi-outdoor space.

Kubik Extension
José Hevia
Kubik Extension
José Hevia

Aiming to provide this space with the maximum warmth, close attention has been paid to the materials in this area: the volume of concrete that forms the SPA is covered with IPE wood on both ground and ceiling, Creating a continuous space that surrounds the pools, these in turn mollify in white marble to brighten the space

This way, users forget that they are in a buried space. The result is a very cosy environment suitable for the purpose for which it is intended.

Kubik Extension
José Hevia


Kubik Extension
south facade
Kubik Extension
west facade


Kubik Extension
basement
Kubik Extension
first floor
Kubik Extension
second floor
Kubik Extension
roof plan


Kubik Extension
section
Kubik Extension
initial scheme
Kubik Extension
extension scheme
Kubik Extension
final scheme

GRAS Reynés Arquitectos
T +34 971 280912
GRAS Reynés Arquitectos
Carrer de Robert Graves, 2, Ponent, 07015 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain