Oasi House: A Sustainable Urban Retreat by MARBÄ Artquitectura & Cálida Lighting
Oasi House transforms an urban space into a sustainable, bioclimatic home with a green courtyard, adaptive lighting, and Mediterranean-inspired design.
Located in the heart of L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain, Oasi House is a groundbreaking architectural project designed by MARBÄ Artquitectura in collaboration with Diseño Iluminación Cálida Lighting. This transformative design reimagines an urban space, merging sustainability, bioclimatic design, and architectural history into a harmonious living and working environment.
From Commercial Space to Eco-Friendly Home
Oasi House occupies the ground floor of a historic residential block that has undergone several transformations over the years. Originally a parish, then a printing press, and later a bazaar, the space presented a significant challenge in terms of functionality and design. When lead architect Júla Marbà Prats first visited, remnants of its past still lingered. The mission was to repurpose this dense urban space into a sustainable, energy-efficient home that could adapt to the evolving needs of its inhabitants.
A Dual-Purpose Living and Working Space
The primary goal of Oasi House was to create a flexible environment that serves as both a residence and an office. The design prioritizes adaptability, ensuring that the space can evolve over time while maintaining a high standard of comfort and efficiency. By integrating passive architectural strategies, locally sourced materials, and a bioclimatic approach, the project achieves outstanding energy performance.
A Green Lung at the Heart of the Home
At the core of Oasi House is a lush green patio, serving as a natural thermoregulator. This central courtyard concept is inspired by traditional Mediterranean architecture, such as the Roman domus and Arabian patios, which emphasize indoor-outdoor fluidity. The garden, framed by a retractable glass roof, enhances natural ventilation while supplying fresh air, optimal lighting, and temperature control to the surrounding living spaces.
Lighting as a Foundational Design Element
One of the most distinctive aspects of Oasi House is its integrated lighting design. Unlike conventional projects where lighting is an afterthought, here, it was developed simultaneously with the architectural concept. The seamless fusion of architecture and illumination results in an ambiance that exudes warmth, serenity, and visual comfort. Each space within the home is carefully curated to balance natural and artificial light, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.
Materials: A Blend of Tradition and Raw Expression
The material palette of Oasi House is deeply rooted in Mediterranean warmth yet maintains an industrial honesty. The combination of glazed ceramics, clay, wood, and concrete pays homage to traditional craftsmanship while embracing a raw aesthetic that preserves the original textures of walls and ceilings. The exposed structural elements narrate the story of the building’s evolution, celebrating imperfections as part of its architectural identity.
An Oasis of Sustainable Urban Living
Oasi House redefines urban living by demonstrating that dense city spaces can be transformed into sustainable, adaptable homes. With a strong emphasis on energy efficiency, biophilic design, and spatial flexibility, this project is a testament to how architecture can enhance quality of life even in the most compact urban settings.
