Botijo House: A Sustainable Urban Residence by ALE Estudio

Botijo House, designed by ALE Estudio, is a sustainable residential project located in Madrid, Spain. Completed in 2024, this innovative urban residence combines traditional materials with modern design principles to create a harmonious and environmentally friendly living space.

Project Overview

Location and Context

Botijo House is situated in a unique neighborhood within Madrid, characterized by a mix of low houses and small industrial buildings from the early 20th century. The predominant use of red brick in the area creates a cohesive aesthetic, blending residential and industrial elements seamlessly.

Design Philosophy

The project embraces the materials and elements that define its surroundings, such as brick, exposed concrete, and galvanized steel. The most striking feature of Botijo House is the ceramic latticework on the façade, which conceals the stairwell and integrates with the neighboring buildings, creating a visually appealing and functional design.

Architectural Features

Sustainable Design

Botijo House is designed with sustainability at its core. The high thermal inertia of the building, achieved through thick insulation and thermally resistant carpentry, ensures energy efficiency. Natural cross ventilation and strategic window placement allow for effective air circulation and natural lighting, reducing energy consumption.

Material Palette

The use of red brick, concrete, and galvanized steel on the exterior creates a robust and industrial aesthetic, while the interior features warmer materials like linoleum flooring and wood finishes, providing a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Layout and Space Utilization

The ground floor is designed as a communal space, fostering interaction among residents. The T-shaped layout of the dwellings allows for flexible and adaptable living spaces. The high ceilings, reaching 3.20 meters, enhance the sense of spaciousness and facilitate air circulation.

Innovative Features

Ceramic Latticework

The ceramic latticework on the façade not only adds an artistic element to the building but also serves a practical purpose. It protects the interior from direct sunlight while allowing filtered light to create dynamic shadows on the enameled walls.

Thermal and Lighting Efficiency

Large south-facing windows capture sunlight to heat the main rooms, while roll-up awnings provide adjustable shading. The use of radiant-cooling floors with aerothermal energy production ensures a comfortable indoor climate with low energy consumption.

Flexibility and Adaptability

The design of Botijo House prioritizes flexibility, allowing residents to modify and adapt their living spaces over time. The compact layout of the bathrooms and the open-plan design of the living areas provide ample opportunities for personalization.

Botijo House by ALE Estudio is a prime example of sustainable urban architecture. By integrating traditional materials with modern design principles, the project creates a harmonious and environmentally friendly living space. Its innovative features, such as the ceramic latticework and energy-efficient systems, set a new standard for residential architecture in urban settings.

All the photographs are work of Juan Aragonés