a cork and wood house is built by gurea arquitectura cooperativa

contemporary living in rural spain

In the vast, rolling landscape outside the Spanish village of Navajeda, this recently completed Cork and Wood House by architecture studio Gurea Arquitectura Cooperativa exemplifies modern rural living. The single-family home showcases an authentic connection with its natural surroundings, both with its structure of renewable cork and laminated timber, along with its sweeping views across the woods and meadows.

images © Javier Bravo

a greenhouse dwelling by Gurea Arquitectura Cooperativa

The design team at Gurea Arquitectura Cooperativa shapes the simple and compact volume of its Cork and Wood House to contrast with the intricacy of its interior organization. A distinctive feature is the gallery that traverses and divides the space, functioning as a greenhouse for most of the year. This unique design distributes warm air to both sections of the house, with the kitchen acting as the central nexus, resulting in a thickened H-shaped floor plan.

the Cork and Wood House is designed with a spirit that is both modern and rural

a house of cork and wood

With its Cork and Wood House, Gurea Arquitectura Cooperativa leverages bioclimatic strategies and an industrialized system of laminated wood for construction. Prefabricated components, including laminated wood frames, were crafted in a workshop, reducing construction risks and time. The assembly on-site took only a week, showcasing the efficiency of this approach. Interestingly, the owners actively participated in the completion of finishes and minor works, contributing to the personal touch of the dwelling.

the compact volume is clad with natural materials including cork and wood

Beyond its welcoming appeal, the use of laminated wood serves as a sustainable choice, reducing the carbon footprint and energy demand. Enhanced insulation, coupled with underfloor aerothermal heating, results in near-zero energy consumption. This commitment to environmentally friendly construction techniques aligns with the architects’ vision of creating a home that perpetually embodies a dual condition — hermetic and permeable, natural and artificial, industrialized and artisanal, refuge and freedom.

the simple exterior contrasts with the intricate interior organization which includes a central greenhouse
sited between rural life and nature, the dwelling is both isolated and open