Are you familiar with the expression “X marks the spot”? In Barcelona there’s a fine example of turning such a common sentence into a concrete reality… in this particular case a building for a Catalan family. X House proudly hangs over the edge of a hillside facing the unique cityscape of Barcelona. And what a delightful sight it is…
This two-story volume presents a total floor area of 300sqm distributed in a curious X- shaped plan: four triangular voids configure this unusual design in order to respond to the particular restrictions of the site and also the domestic program.
One of these empty spaces allows the structure to avoid an existing tree, while two others offer windows that avoid the neighboring houses. The fourth corresponds to the glazed facade that allows the astonishing view of the surrounding landscape.
The distribution of the program follows this multiple combination of factors: residents and visitors enter the house on the top floor by following an exterior staircase disposed around the existing pine tree, leading to the front door and to the garage space.
Once inside the house, the X-shaped plan reveals its entire splendor: a bedroom, bathroom and also a study area occupy two arms of the cross on this floor while a double-height living room, a kitchen area and two single bedrooms are distributed on the story below. Textured concrete assume the main role in the exterior skin of this delicate body while smooth concrete pavements contrast with white painted walls and ceilings… Glass also plays a major role here offering a clear view over the magnificent environment that surrounds the X House.
Architects: Cadaval Sola Morales
Photography: Iwan Baan, Sandra Pereznieto
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