Project Name
Öcher House
Posted in
Residential
Location
Navarra
Spain
Architecture Practice
MLMR Architecture Conculstancy
Completed
2017
Detailed Information
Project NameÖcher HousePosted inResidentialLocation
Navarra
Spain
Architecture PracticeMLMR Architecture ConculstancyCompleted2017

A simple L-shape is the crux of the design for The Öcher House, a private retreat created by MLMR Architecture Consultancy in a peaceful residential area of Pamplona the capital of Navarre province in Northern Spain. This no-frills structure creates a serene living environment for its occupants by turning the focus inwards towards the garden obscuring everything but the calming landscape from view.

To achieve this, the architects - including Victor Larripa, a professor at UNAV and co-founder of MLMR - "unfolded" the project from a single, strong concrete wall. This design detail was used not just for aesthetic reasons. It also acts as a barrier: firstly,  shielding the house from the North and the West; secondly, hiding its inhabitants from prying eyes since the wall virtually blocks all views inwards, while also containing the land and "evening" it out, since the plot slopes.

Photo by Josema Cutillas.

Photo by Josema Cutillas.

Photo by Josema Cutillas.

Photo by Josema Cutillas.

Photo by Josema Cutillas.

Photo by Josema Cutillas.

The materials used in this home's construction are just as straightforward: concrete slabs textured to resemble sawn wood boards and beautiful oiled Iroko wood for all the exterior walls. Meanwhile, natural zinc stone was utilized for the roof. Large glass windows are interspersed sequentially around the walls, opening up the home to the south and east facing garden. Inside, the choice of materials reflects a similar brand of minimalism; however, those used indoors are more refined in texture, with white walls and natural Danish pine wood being the main materials used.

Photo by Pablo García Esparza.

Photo by Pablo García Esparza.

Photo by Josema Cutillas.

Photo by Josema Cutillas.

Photo by Josema Cutillas.

Photo by Josema Cutillas.

The use of light can also be somewhat described as a "building element" in this home feeding into the living room and kitchen - located along the "short" part of the L-shape -- as well as into all the bedrooms - located along the "long" part of the L-shape - through the plentiful windows.

The aforementioned, central garden is definitely the center of the living space. For although it is an exterior element, the living area seems created in deference to it thanks to the wide, sliding glass doors that open up to the porch and garden. Thus, the continuity between the interior and exterior spaces is established, a trait which exemplifies this entire project.   

Photo by Josema Cutillas.

Photo by Josema Cutillas.

Photo by Josema Cutillas.

Photo by Josema Cutillas.

Photo by Josema Cutillas.

Photo by Josema Cutillas.

Photo by Pablo García Esparza.

Photo by Pablo García Esparza.

Photo by Pablo García Esparza.

Photo by Pablo García Esparza.

Photo by Pablo García Esparza.

Photo by Pablo García Esparza.

Photo by Pablo García Esparza.

Photo by Pablo García Esparza.

Photo by Pablo García Esparza.

Photo by Pablo García Esparza.

Photo by Pablo García Esparza.

Photo by Pablo García Esparza.

Photo by Pablo García Esparza.

Photo by Pablo García Esparza.

Photo by Pablo García Esparza.

Photo by Pablo García Esparza.

The Öcher House by MLMR Architecture Consultancy in Pamplona, Northern Spain

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