fran silvestre arquitectos' latest villa emerges around a compluvium-shaped core in madrid

The Compluvium House completes in madrid

The Compluvium House by Fran Silvestre Arquitectos takes shape in Madrid with strong influences from antique cultures. The dominating white residence recalls how ancient Greeks, Etruscans, and Romans implemented an architectural system, compluvium, in their aristocratic residences (domus). Designed to divert rainwater into the impluvium (tank), this structure sat at the heart of the residence and not only had an initial practical function of expelling smoke from internal fires but evolved to improve natural lighting, room ventilation, and the efficient accumulation of rainwater. ‘Over time, the compluvium increased in size and complexity, becoming crucial for the aesthetics and functionality of the house, optimizing the residents’ comfort and well-being. This system not only reflected the technical sophistication of these cultures but also underscored the importance of water as a central resource in domestic and ritual life,’ shares the studio. 

all images © Jesús Orrico

fran silvestre arquitectos reinterprets an ancient structure

In the contemporary context of the Compluvium House, located in central Madrid, the team at Fran Silvestre Arquitectos has reinterpreted this architectural tradition to adapt it to current needs. The residence, like the ancient domus, features a central element that provides privacy from neighboring buildings while organizing the interior space, cast in a daylit and minimal backdrop with a monochrome palette. The rooms and common areas disperse around this eye-catching core, opening views toward the interior courtyard. The dual functionality of this design brings a sense of openness and spatial fluidity to the house without taking away its ‘protected’ atmosphere.

aerial view of Compluvium House

Moreover, the interaction between the sleek interiors and exterior is enriched by the presence of a sheet of water in the courtyard, which not only brings a sense of freshness to the environment but also provides a visual and acoustic focal point for residents of the Compluvium House. The architects have strategically placed this sheet of water to take advantage of the elevated views over the adjacent houses, offering a visual showcase of the open sky and the natural elements and ultimately recalling the original functionality of the Roman compluvium. 

inspired by an ancient architectural system to divert water

a dominating white volume located in Madrid

the presence of a sheet of water in the courtyard

the interiors reveal a minimal backdrop with a monochrome palette

common areas of the Compluvium House

staircase view

interior-exterior flow

daylight filtering through

a visual showcase of the open sky at the Compluvium House

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project info:

name: Compluvium House 

location: Madrid, Spain 

architecture: Fran Silverstre Arquitectos | @fransilvestrearquitectos

project team: Fran Silvestre, Carlos Lucas (Principals in charge)

collaborators: María Masià (Collaborating Architect), Pablo Camarasa (Collaborating Architect), Ricardo Candela (Collaborating Architect), Estefania Soriano (Collaborating Architect),  Sevak Asatrián (Collaborating Architect), José María Ibañez (Business developer CCG y México), Andrea Baldo (Collaborating Architect), Angelo Brollo (Collaborating Architect), Paloma Feng (Collaborating Architect), Javi Herrero (Collaborating Architect), Gino Brollo (Collaborating Architect), Paco Chinesta (Collaborating Architect), Facundo Castro (Collaborating Architect), 
Anna Alfanjarín (Collaborating Architect), Laura Bueno (Collaborating Architect), Toni Cremades (Collaborating Architect), Susana León (Collaborating Architect), David Cirocchi (Collaborating Architect), Neus Roso (Collaborating Architect), Nuria Doménech (Collaborating Architect), Andrea Raga (Collaborating Architect), 
Olga Martín (Collaborating Architect), Víctor González (Collaborating Architect), Pepe Llop (Collaborating Architect), Monike Teodoro (Collaborating Architect), Alberto Bianchi (Collaborating Architect), Lucía Domingo (Collaborating Architect), Alejandro Pascual (Collaborating Architect), Pablo Simò (Collaborating Architect), 
Andrea Blasco (Collaborating Architect), Ana Bono (Collaborating Architect), Claudia Escorcia (Collaborating Architect), Laura Palacio (Collaborating Architect), Carlos Perez (Collaborating Architect), Jovita Cortijo (Collaborating Architect), Ana de Pablo (Financial & Administration Dept. Director), Sara Atienza (Marketing & PR Dept. Director), Valeria Fernandini (Financial Department), Sandra Mazcuñán (Management Department), 
Kateryna Spuziak (Marketing Department), Julián Garcia (Graphic Designer) 

interior designer: Alfaro Hofmann 

building engineer consultants: Consuelo Astasio (technical architect)

structural engineer: Estructuras Singulares 

general contractor: Project Work S.L

furniture designer: Fran Silvestre Arquitectos

furniture maker: Nerinea 

photographer and videographer: Jesús Orrico 

built area: 629 sqm 

installations: geothermal, underfloor heating, fancoil (climate control), Jung ZERO (mechanisms), fossed in false ceiling, LED linear luminaire (lighting) 

finishing: Porcelain Saloni Majestic Gray (interior, exterior, and pool), Porcelain Saloni Majestic Gray, Lacquered wood paneling, laminated wood paneling, Betacril concrete gray and cloud gray, exterior SATE BAUMIT-PEARL 05 (facing) 

metalwork and locksmithing: custom wood interior carpentry (interior), minimalist aluminum carpentry / IMG windows (exterior), Sensem custom pivot doors

sanitaryware: Roca Inspira round onix (suspended and compact toilet), Roca in-wash in-tank toilet 

kitchen: bespoke Betacril concrete gray furniture, custom wooden furniture