Les Porxades House by ENDALT Arquitectes – Contemporary Mediterranean Residence in Albal, Spain

Nestled in Albal, Spain, Les Porxades House by ENDALT Arquitectes reinterprets traditional Mediterranean architecture through a contemporary lens, blending sustainability, landscape integration, and bioclimatic design. Covering 232 m², the residence was completed in 2022 and thoughtfully responds to the cultural and environmental context of l’Horta de València, a historically significant area under pressure from urbanization. By incorporating lessons from vernacular architecture, the project balances modern living requirements with respect for heritage and the surrounding orchards.

Formally, the house draws inspiration from the alquerías, historic farmhouses in the Valencian countryside. The main two-sloped volume is complemented by secondary volumes featuring sloping roofs, flat roofs, and cantilevered porches, evoking the organic growth of traditional rural architecture. These cantilevered Mediterranean-style porches—from which the house derives its name—create a seamless interface between indoor and outdoor spaces, offering shaded terraces during summer while remaining functional during rainy days. Oriented to the southeast, the extended floor slabs not only enhance comfort but also serve as a passive solar control strategy, reducing heat gain in summer and allowing sunlight penetration in winter.

The house employs bioclimatic strategies and passive design solutions that optimize energy efficiency year-round. Upper-floor openings integrate “persianas alicantinas” (Alicante-style shutters) to provide both privacy and sun control, reflecting the region’s architectural heritage while enhancing comfort. The home is organized around a central interior courtyard, reminiscent of Wright’s social chimneys, around which all social spaces are oriented. This courtyard serves as both a visual anchor and a natural climate regulator, promoting air convection that passively cools the interior.

Materials play a central role in the project’s aesthetic and functional narrative. Traditional ceramics are featured on the ground floor, offering contrast with the flat, minimal volumes of the first floor. This choice respects local construction practices and emphasizes the mastery of area builders while maintaining simplicity and authenticity. Large tilt-and-turn windows, strategic openings, and careful orientation ensure a harmonious dialogue between the interior spaces, terraces, and the natural environment.

Les Porxades House exemplifies a modern reinterpretation of Mediterranean architecture, merging tradition, sustainability, and contemporary living in Albal. Its innovative use of natural light, ventilation, and passive bioclimatic design makes it a benchmark for residential architecture in Spain.

All the photographs are works of David Zarzoso