House-Studio in Galaroza by inN arquitectura: A Dialogue Between Work, Life, and Restoration

Reviving “La Posada”: A Living Archive of Galaroza

Set in the rural town of Galaroza, Huelva, the House-Studio project by inN arquitectura represents a sensitive architectural restoration that bridges past and present, domesticity and creativity. Known locally as La Posada, this house is reputed to be the oldest in the village, though its exact origins remain a mystery. Since 2012, it has served both as the personal residence and professional studio of Carlos Gómez Sos, principal of inN arquitectura, marking a new chapter in the long-standing legacy of the building.

Ambiguous Thresholds: Weaving Domestic and Creative Spaces

The design process centered on the duality of living and working—without physically separating the two. Rather than defining rigid zones, the architects embraced ambiguity in the transitional areas, allowing spaces to flexibly support both everyday life and creative work. In plan, this intention materializes through the intersection of longitudinal domestic spaces and transversally-oriented workspaces, all organized around a central luminous corral that draws in light and activity.

A Spatial and Material Palimpsest

La Posada’s diverse spatial conditions—ranging from a dark cellar to an open, materially honest upper floor—offered a palette ripe for exploration. The rehabilitation process became an introspective exercise, mapping the stages of architectural design onto the layers of the building itself. From demolition to reconstruction, every act was deliberate: slabs were disassembled, catalogued, and reused; demolition stones rebuilt the gables and corral walls; and aged clay tiles were laid underfoot, restoring character without resorting to excess.

Minimal Intervention, Maximum Authenticity

The guiding principle throughout was radical reuse: "the most sustainable material is the one that is not used." This ethos permeated every architectural decision. Manual clay tiles, lime mortars, reclaimed timber, and antique doors were adapted as interior furnishings. In Galaroza, famed for its woodworking traditions, local carpenters fabricated the wooden paneling and finishes with artisanal care, reinforcing a strong sense of place and community craftsmanship.

Slow Architecture: A Five-Year Handcrafted Transformation

The five-year-long restoration reflects a slow architecture approach, where no surface escaped the human hand. The process mirrored a careful careening, reminiscent of ship maintenance, whereby each layer was stripped, assessed, and restored. This act of prolonged attention ensured the building’s structural integrity while preserving the memory embedded in its materials.

The Corral: A Communal and Climatic Anchor

At the heart of the composition lies the corral, a semi-public courtyard that anchors the house spatially and climatically. Drawing in light and ventilation, the corral fosters social interaction and horticultural leisure—what the architects call “a bearable occupation that entertains the mind.” It also establishes a transversal reading of the home, both physically and metaphorically bridging past and future, solitude and community.

All photographs are works of Manolo Espaliú