Architecture practice Gabriel Montañes was commissioned to design the renovation of an old house located on the coast of the Balearic island of Menorca. Its privileged location allows you to observe spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea, surrounded by the exuberant vegetation that accompanies the home, immersing it in a paradisiacal atmosphere.

The architects have prioritized the landscape over overloaded architecture that could distract users from the panoramic views offered by its extraordinary location. For this reason, the studio resorts to the configuration of neutral spaces with a minimalist trend harmonized through the use of white walls and light-toned floors.
The design by Gabriel Montañes pays special attention to the advantages offered by the location of the home and does not forget to resolve the inconveniences it causes, such as the proximity of the sea, which can cause damage due to its continuous exposure. The project cushions these conditions by creating a porch with sliding blinds that allow protection from the sun and inclement weather. It also pays special attention to the appearance of the façade seen from the beach, which appears discreetly integrated into its surroundings.

The kitchen, living room and dining room have a fluid connection that allows spontaneous circulation between rooms. In contrast, the bedrooms are organized along the facades, providing privacy and tranquillity to its inhabitants. Furthermore, the porch functions as a transit space that connects the interior and exterior, establishing a progressive relationship between both spaces.


Casa E+E by Gabriel Montañés Arquitecto. Photograph by Adrià Goula.
 

Project description by Gabriel Montañés Arquitecto

Barcelona, ​​June 2024. The renowned architecture studio based in Menorca, Gabriel Montañes, presents Casa E+E, one of its most outstanding residential projects located on the Menorcan seafront. With its 283.33 m² is property is located on one of the best plots on the island, offering spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea.

The renovation of this home has focused on enhancing the views and reinforcing the connection with its privileged natural environment. Preserving the essence of the old house, modern elements have been integrated that have given rise to a contemporary residence. One of the most outstanding elements of the renovation is the porch that, with its orientation towards the sea, incorporates a pergola-type cover and large sliding wooden blinds that allow the environment to be modulated according to the weather conditions.

The orientation of the openings and natural ventilation are a priority in the designs of architect Gabriel Montañes, and this project has not been the exception, in which the roof has been rebuilt with a new opening facing southeast to take advantage of natural ventilation. a simple gesture that has been fundamental in the design: “We like the idea of ​​a house that can be 'tuned' like a percussion instrument to adapt to the climatic conditions of each moment,” says architect Montañes.


Casa E+E by Gabriel Montañés Arquitecto. Photograph by Adrià Goula.

The interior distribution has been designed to offer fluid integration between the living room, dining room and kitchen, while the suites are distributed along the main and rear facades, guaranteeing the privacy and comfort of its inhabitants. The interiors reflect a minimalist and elegant approach, with white walls and warm-toned floors that harmonize with the exterior landscape. The aluminium carpentry, with a minimal section, encourages the fluid connection between the interior and exterior. In the words of the studio: "Whenever we work on plots with such spectacular views, we feel obliged not to overload the interior. In this case, we try to create environments that are as neutral as possible to avoid distractions."

The view from the sea towards the house has also been carefully designed, discreetly integrating the building into its surroundings, creating a space where indoor and outdoor living merge harmoniously.

Casa E+E is a clear example of the Gabriel Montañes studio's commitment to creating spaces that respect and integrate into their natural environment, prioritize ventilation and natural lighting, and offering contemporary designs that improve the quality of life of its inhabitants.

More information

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Architects
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Collaborators
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Mus&Seguí.
Quantity surveyors.- Rafael Mus y Amílcar Seguí.
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Builder
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Arcomesa.
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Area
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283.33 sqm.
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Dates
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2022.
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Location Localización
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Minorca, Spain.
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Photography
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The architect began his career in Australia working with Pritzker Prize Laureate Glenn Murcutt. Like the award-winning architect, Gabriel Montañés believes that “you cannot try to make architecture friendly to the environment if you do not know it, interpret it and love it before any architectural action” and you act to represent this correlation in his work. He does not believe in sustainability as such and prefers to advocate for the humanization of architecture.

Gabriel Montañés and his team work mainly in Menorca, his native island, designing works that stand out for their natural lighting and ventilation, and for their integration into the environment. From the beginning, they ask their clients to love and respect Menorca and to be open to surprise and being part of the illusion that a project entails.
 
Architecture. I started to develop it in Barcelona, followed by Amsterdam and Ghana and later Australia, where I was lucky enough to meet a person who had a massive influence on me : Glenn Murcutt. I learned a lot from him, so much, and above all that I needed to try to focus on architecture without great pretensions, a type that was even ordinary – but that I had to work on as best as I could. With all my might.

An office formed by three other architects: Esther Todo, Aina Oliver, Laura Cañas.
 
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Published on: July 4, 2024
Cite: "Minimalism and landscape. Casa E+E by Gabriel Montañés Arquitecto" METALOCUS. Accessed
<https://www.metalocus.es/en/news/minimalism-and-landscape-casa-ee-gabriel-montanes-arquitecto> ISSN 1139-6415
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