Casa Portassa by Sagristà-Simó: A Contemporary Urban Residence Rooted in Resilience and Flexibility

Location: La Puebla, Spain Architects: Sagristà-Simó Project Area: 348 m² Photography: Carlos Manuel González Baute Manufacturers: Fullana, Fusteria Rian, Hormigones Farrutx, Mármoles Valcaneras, Pastor Structures & Architecture

A Vision for Contemporary Living in a Challenging Context

Casa Portassa, designed by Sagristà-Simó, stands as a bold architectural response to the complex realities of building in Cuba, where materials are scarce, costs are high, and skepticism toward contemporary design persists. In this demanding landscape, the architects have created a project that not only addresses fundamental housing needs but also proposes an innovative and resilient architectural language born from constraint.

Guided by a belief in the power of architecture to thrive amid adversity, the design of Casa Portassa is rooted in pragmatic choices, adaptable construction, and a commitment to accessible design solutions. The resulting residence is both an urban sanctuary and a flexible structure capable of adapting to various living scenarios, including multigenerational cohabitation and small-scale commercial use.

Programmatic Strategy and Design Challenges

The commission was clear from the outset: design a home that would double in value from the initial investment, both in land acquisition and construction. To achieve this, the architects studied the most sought-after features of newly purchased homes in the region. These included:

• Proximity to the Old City center
• A garage
• At least one bedroom and bathroom on the ground floor
• Open, unified living spaces
• A flexible backyard
• Private bathrooms for all bedrooms
• Space for two-family occupancy
• A designated area for economic activity

Despite the highly compact lot size—only 4x15 meters—the design meets these expectations with remarkable efficiency.

Vertical Spatial Strategy and Functional Layout

Casa Portassa is arranged across three vertical levels, each tailored to specific functions:

• Ground Floor: Designed for public functions, this level includes the main entrance, living, dining, and kitchen areas. A double-height entry introduces a sense of spaciousness uncommon in such narrow lots.
• First Floor: Dedicated to private spaces, the second level houses bedrooms, each equipped with its own ensuite bathroom, meeting the initial request for privacy and comfort.
• Second Floor: The uppermost level offers a multi-functional space with a rooftop terrace, laundry area, and potential for future adaptive uses. This level provides expansive views and outdoor connection, enhancing the living experience in an otherwise dense urban setting.

Material Honesty and Cost-Effective Innovation

A key strength of the project lies in its material economy. The architects employed affordable and accessible materials without sacrificing design integrity. This includes:

• Cement stucco finishes for the bathrooms and kitchen
• Polished cement floors for durability and cost savings
• Hand-cast aluminum window frames for exterior openings
• Sugarcane cardboard used innovatively for interior partitions

These materials—often associated with low-cost construction—are reinterpreted here with architectural sensitivity. Rather than conceal budgetary constraints, the materials are celebrated as part of the building's identity.

Environmental Sensitivity and Adaptive Construction

Despite its compact footprint, Casa Portassa prioritizes environmental quality. A vertical light well penetrates through all three floors, optimizing natural daylight and ventilation. The backyard, although modest, plays a key role in passive cooling and enhances the indoor-outdoor relationship.

The structural design allows for easy future remodeling without compromising the integrity of the dwelling. This adaptability ensures the home can evolve with the needs of its occupants or new owners—whether through subdivision, commercial integration, or spatial reconfiguration.

Albor’s Signature Aesthetic

This project exemplifies Albor’s architectural philosophy—a practice defined by necessity and shaped by context. Through the use of humble materials, adaptable layouts, and functional clarity, Casa Portassa becomes more than a residence—it’s a manifesto of resourceful architecture.

All photographs are works of  Carlos Manuel González Baute