residential complex in spain puts contemporary twist on traditional andalusian architecture

highlighting the tension between tradition and contemporaneity

within the popular neighborhood of ‘campo de la verdad’ in córdoba, spain, architects ignacio laguillo díaz, paco marqués vilaplana and harald schönegger built a residential complex that puts a contemporary twist on traditional andalusian architecture. the project seeks to reinterpret the recently implemented regulation of typological protection ordinance —which has led to a new formal typology characterized by massive façades— by translating the newly introduced elements into familiar spatial situations. 

adopting a protective character, the exterior takes shape as a continuous volume punctuated by a series of vertical openings. the interior presents itself much differently, integrating fluid spaces, planted patios, water elements, and ornamental detailing. overall, the design forms a distinctive language that highlights the contrast between the public and private realm,  and the tension between tradition and contemporaneity.

all images by fernando alda

organized around a warm, calm lobby

despite emphasizing the contrast between public and private, the residential complex by ignacio laguillo díaz, paco marqués vilaplana and harald schönegger, uses the lobby as an open waiting threshold establishing a seamless continuity between street and building. upon entering the residence, occupants are welcomed by a warm and calm patio. the building is entirely organized around this area which is characterized by the presence of vegetation and water — a passive control system for environmental conditions typical of traditional architecture.

the structure houses 14 apartments as well as a garage, while most units open exclusively to the outside to preserve privacy from the gallery. the program is common to all of them: toilet, living room-kitchen, and bedroom. the connection between the bedroom and the living area is made through large sliding doors that are embedded in the partition, favoring continuity between the two. ‘it is about creating a fluid space that compensates for its reduced surface,’ the architects explain.

a both familiar and strange inner courtyard

the building appears massive and protective on the outside, modulating its presence by adjusting the scale of each façade. towards the nearby river, the openings are larger, emphasizing their verticality, as a response to the landscape of the riverbank. towards the interior of the neighborhood, they reduce their size, establishing a relationship of continuity with it. the architects wanted to form an exterior where there is no clear reading of which use corresponds to which space, or which apartment belongs to whom. 

inside, an ornamental railing, almost textile in quality, resonates with images of popular culture and plant motifs. chinese wash, natural stone, lime mortar, wood, water, and plants complete the materiality palette of the inner courtyard, which is formed to produce a pleasant atmosphere, both familiar and strange.

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project info: 

name: residential building in campo de la verdad
lead architects: ignacio laguillo díaz, paco marqués vilaplana, harald schönegger
design team: blanca farrerons, francisco moreno, ignacio olivares, álvaro valverde
interior design: rosario moreno-torres
construction management: miguel sibón, enrique cabrera
landscaping: jaime garcía constructed
location: campo de la verdad, córdoba, spain
area: 1,275 sqm