Private house in St Pere de Ribes, Barcelona.

Entering the house requires crossing a patio, once used for parking. The patio evokes the Mediterranean landscape with its textures, colours, and scents, creating a sensory experience before entering or leaving the home. The entrance of the home is at the highest level and directly connects with the surrounding scenery. Embedded in a south-facing slope, the three-storey home overlooks vineyards with the Balearic Sea visible in the distance. Recycled crushed bricks from the site’s demolition serve as clay gravel for the entrance patio. The proposed patio lattice wall, built from construction perforated bricks typically concealed behind finishes, is left exposed, embracing imperfections and tonal variations as a testament to the beauty in raw materials. This material selection harmonises with the natural surroundings, ensuring coherence between the new and existing elements while responding to the structural needs. The main living spaces centre around a small courtyard and the entrance patio, fostering a close relationship with nature. These outdoor spaces connect seamlessly to the interiors, while expansive views stretch from the vineyards up to the sea. Strategic demolitions, including removing the concrete slab above the stairs, unveil a staggered height void, reconnecting the home’s levels. Exposed pillars now define the spatial order, replacing the previously fragmented layout. Constructed with a concrete frame with a brick skin, the home features visible timber beams supporting the roof and floors. Iroko wood, known for its durability, is used for the exterior doors and windows. Existing interior materials include clay tile, iroko timber flooring, and plaster walls. A proposed neutral palette of cement, white concrete, and white cherry joinery, along with a bespoke stainless steel kitchen island and fittings, complements the home’s aesthetic.