Restored from a stone Catalan farmhouse, Villa CP by ZEST Architecture stands as a memento to historical craftsmanship and future sustainability. The sturdy stone structure has been opened up into two distinct layers on the villa’s property, and incorporates strong elements of wood, clay, metal, glass and locally-sourced cork.
The Villa’s ground layer is neatly withdrawn, buttressed by a row of trees and greenery, with contrasting, perpendicular planes of glass, wood and metal along the stone facade. Cresting a subtle hilltop, the second story gazes over the surrounding National Park of cork oak forest, surveying glimpses of the Mediterranean. The outdoor space is understated but expansive, with a swimming pool and seating patio pivoting around lush forest landscaping. With many large windows throughout the building, the lighting can take a variety of forms -- depending on the material it's filtered through on the facade, and the surface it ultimately rests on inside.
ZEST Architecture’s complete project description is as follows:
The Barcelonese Architecture firm ZEST Architecture, founded by the Dutch architect Co Govers, will take part in the Biennale of Venice, which opens on 7 June 2014.
The project Villa CP, the restoration of an old Catalan farmhouse, serves as inspiration for the installation that ZEST Architecture will present in Palazzo Mora, as participant in the exhibition “Time Space Existence”, organized by the Global Art Affairs Foundation.
Villa CP is a restoration project, whereby a 21st century house has been created inside an old stone structure. The existing stone walls have been largely rebuilt, with enormous openings towards the landscape linking the house to its spectacular surroundings: a National Park of cork oak with distant views towards the Mediterranean.
ZEST Architecture’s work is always marked by sustainability, so it may not come as a surprise that this project sports materials and elements such as a natural pool whose water is filtered by plants and gravel, insulation with locally harvested and produced cork, clay and stray panel finishes in the interior and heating / cooling through a geothermal installation.
The old and the new (that which will age) strengthen each other in this project through their opposition and juxtaposition. The old has been left visible with all its scars, while new materials such as Corten steel, wood and clay, were chosen for the beauty of their natural imperfections and the way in which the traces left by time make them even more beautiful. Rain, wind, human touch…. will make sure that this house will be even more beautiful over time.
VILLA CP
Data sheet:
Project’s name: Villa CP
Location: Girona, Spain
Client: Private
Building Area: 240 m2 (ground floor)+ 200 m2 (first floor)=440 m2. 1 ha garden
Project: January 2010-September 2011
Construction: January 2011-March 2013
Architects: Zest Architecture
Collaborators:
Former Managing Editor and Podcast Co-Producer for Archinect. I write, go to the movies, walk around and listen to the radio. My interests revolve around cognitive urban theory, psycholinguistics and food.Currently freelancing. Be in touch through longhyphen@gmail.com
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