natural light shapes room functions in bernardo cerrato's passive residence in spain

Bernardo Cerrato enhances energy-efficiency in residence design

Bernardo Cerrato designed an energy-efficient detached house in Guardamar del Segura, Valencia, Spain, addressing the challenges posed by the plot’s narrow facade and the varying heights of adjacent buildings. The central courtyard serves as the key element, configuring the entire building and positioning the vertical communication elements. This approach successfully creates spacious and comfortable rooms, ensures light reaches the rear areas, and provides the necessary privacy for different parts of the dwelling. This arrangement maximizes light exposure and enhances the living experience by aligning room functions with the hours of natural light. Additionally, the central courtyard acts as a source of light and thermal radiation for the day area (kitchen, living room), optimizing the residence’s energy performance. This passive design reduces the need for artificial lighting and heating, contributing to the overall sustainability of the home.

all images by Milena Villalba

central courtyard configures House in Spain

The plot measures approximately five by 19 meters, necessitating a study by Bernardo Cerrato to ensure natural light and ventilation in all main rooms. The floor plan is organized based on natural light availability and privacy requirements, resulting in an inversion of the typical program layout. Bedrooms and more private spaces are situated on the first floor, while the second floor houses the day area. The Spanish architect’s design combines aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability, resulting in a living space that meets the client’s needs. Incorporating basic principles of thermodynamics, the design achieves passive energy benefits. The careful consideration of light, ventilation, and privacy, along with the strategic use of the central courtyard, completes the architectural solution for a challenging plot.

the central courtyard serves as the key element

spacious and comfortable rooms ensure light reaches the rear areas

incorporating basic principles of thermodynamics, the design achieves passive energy benefits

the house’s energy performance is optimized by the central courtyard

contributing to the overall sustainability of the home, the design reduces the need for artificial lighting and heating

natural light availability and privacy requirements define the floor plan

bedrooms and more private spaces are situated on the first floor

room functions align with the hours of natural light

Bernardo Cerrato’s design combines aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability

the living space meets the client’s needs

project info:

name: House in Guardamar del Segura
architect: Bernardo Cerrato | @bernardo_cerrato
location: Guardamar del Segura, Valencia, Spain 
photographer: Milena Villalba | @milena_archphoto

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edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom