As a result of collaboration with clients, architecture practice MH.AP designed the house named Alba & Oriol, where they experimented with the proportions and shapes of Mediterranean and South American architecture typologies. The project is located in Salou, a town on the Mediterranean coast in Spain.

The clients desired to build a house in contact with the exterior while maintaining the privacy of the interior, culminating in a sloping roof supported by exposed wooden beams. The house was designed to pay attention to the owners' concept, allowing the architects to experiment with these premises.
The design by MH.AP arranges its programme on a ground floor of ample dimensions in constant contact with the garden surrounding the house, where a gallery connects the living rooms with the swimming pool and the garden, and incorporates gestures of South American architecture. The smaller upper floor is reserved for a study which could be converted into a new bedroom if necessary.

The local poultry farms, the mix of materials and the Colombian haciendas serve as inspiration for the project, which seeks to increase the building's thermal inertia. It uses materials and construction systems to increase thermal comfort and reduce energy consumption, such as cellular concrete, a double layer of cork insulation and ventilated roof tiles.


Alba & Oriol by MH.AP. Photograph by Simone Marcolin.

 

Project description by MH.AP

This house in the coastal town of Salou is the result of a collaborative effort with our clients. Alba envisioned a sloping roof with exposed wooden beams, while Oriol wanted a house in touch with the outdoors but without compromising privacy. This premise took us on an exploration of proportions and shape, drawing inspiration from local poultry ranches, mixed materialities, and Colombian haciendas.

The outcome is a house that blends joy with functionality. The split-roof design shelters a spacious ground level, housing three bedrooms and living areas, and a flexible artist studio or potential third bedroom and bathroom above.

Guided by traditional Mediterranean architecture, our sustainability strategy focused on building thermal inertia. The 40 cm thick cellular concrete walls and double-layered roof with 20 cm of cork insulation and ventilated tiles enhance comfort while reducing energy consumption. Inspired by the verandas of South American colonial architecture, the strategically oriented porch connects the living areas with the pool and garden.

More information

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Architects
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MH.AP. Lead architects.- Marina Huguet, Andrés Peñuela.
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Collaborators
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Structure.- Xavi Aguado.
Engineer.- M7E.
Technical architect.- AV/AT.
Landscape.- Anna Vilarnau.
Construction.- Ton Sentís.
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Area
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250 sqm.
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Dates
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2023.
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Location
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Salou, Spain.
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Photography
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MH.AP. Architecture studio founded by Marina Huguet and Andrés Peñuela based in Barcelona that operates through collaborative efforts and personalised accompaniment to offer tailor-made design solutions.

Marina Huguet (Reus, Spain) and Andrés Peñuela (Medellín, Colombia) graduated in Architecture at ETSAV in Barcelona. They started their practice as nomads, living and working in Sweden, France and Southeast Asia. During that time they had the opportunity to collaborate in architecture studios such as Barozzi Veiga, Tham & Videgård and Dominique Perrault, among others.

In 2015 Marina and Andrés moved back to Spain to found MH.AP. Through their practice, they seek to produce architecture linked to the social, economic and cultural context of each project. They believe in constant dialogue with clients and collaborators, understanding these exchanges as a fundamental tool to enrich their projects.

MH.AP has successfully executed several residential and public projects inside and outside Barcelona, obtaining recognition for their work, including the first prize of the X Bienal Alejandro de la Sota and two AJAC Awards in 2016 and 2024. Currently, Marina and Andrés are also lecturers at the University School of Design and Art of Barcelona (EINA).
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Published on: July 8, 2024
Cite: "Tradition-led experimentation. Alba & Oriol house by MH.AP" METALOCUS. Accessed
<https://www.metalocus.es/en/news/tradition-led-experimentation-alba-oriol-house-mhap> ISSN 1139-6415
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