resting over steep grounds in spain, nahinuena house emerges as a collage of raw materials

nahinuena house is a response to the site’s unique topography

In a quiet residential neighborhood of Gorliz in Bizkaia, Spain, where fenced plots lie untouched and undeveloped, Nahinuena House emerges as a response to its unique topography. The structure, designed by Spanish practice BeAr Architects, is long and narrow, clad in pinkish hues and a cocktail of materials, and does not conform to traditional methods of excavation or rely on elevated platforms of debris. Instead, the residence seems to hover above the sloping terrain, with its foundations carefully placed to rest upon the solid bedrock beneath, keeping its natural incline intact. 

all images © Luis Díaz Díaz (unless stated otherwise)

BeAr Architects’ approach to crafting authentic aesthetics

For this project, the team at BeAr Architects revolved its approach around a construction that goes beyond mere aesthetics or formal capacities. It lies in the thoughtful selection and use of materials, in crafting an authentic domestic experience. ‘Without falling into romanticized notions, it is about embracing the essence of building—free from overly stylized techniques or the enclosed, artificial worlds of plasterboard interiors. It is about creating something real, with minimal resources, and taking pride in simplicity. In conclusion, our hope is that Nahinuena House will not only exist, but will also enhance the lives of its inhabitants, helping them to become more fully themselves within its walls,’ conclude the architects. 

Nahinuena House is long and narrow, clad in pinkish hues

the residence hovers above the sloping terrain, with its foundations resting upon the solid bedrock

Nahinuena House emerges as a collage of raw materials

championing a construction that goes beyond mere aesthetics or formal capacities

interior view

bathroom area of Nahinuena House

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model | image © Jorge Isla 

image © Jorge Isla 

image © Jorge Isla 

image © Jorge Isla 

project info:

name: Nahinuena House 

architect: BeAr Architects | @_bear_architects

location: Gorliz, Bizkaia, Spain 

principal architects: Ane Arce, Iñigo Berasategui

design team: Julene Larrea, Arthur Debelle, Maximilian Gallo, Soryun Lee

landscape: Iñigo Segurola / LurGarden

structural consultant: MECANISMO

photographer: Luis Díaz Díaz | @luisdiazdiaz

model photographer: Jorge Isla | @jorgeisla.nft