Ocarina House: A Rural Artist Residence and Gallery by LCLA Office

The Ocarina House, designed by LCLA Office, is an innovative artist's residence and gallery located in the countryside. At just 40 square meters, this compact space is a perfect blend of artistic living, exhibition space, and work area. Situated at an altitude of 2100 meters above sea level, the house is embedded into a sloping plot in a region renowned for its pottery and clay craftsmanship. The architectural design makes the most of the landscape while serving as both a home and a creative sanctuary for its artist owner.

Sustainable Architecture in a Rural Setting

A Partially Sunken Structure

The Ocarina House is designed to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings. The structure is partially sunken into the hillside, minimizing its visual impact and making it an integral part of the landscape. This approach avoids the need for deep concrete foundations, which is especially important in the earthquake-prone region. Instead, a significant portion of the house's volume is embedded in the clay soil, allowing it to "float" naturally with the land's contours.

Sustainable Features: Rainwater Collection and Wet Garden

One of the most notable sustainable features of the Ocarina House is its rainwater collection system. The roof collects rainwater that nourishes the surrounding wet garden, promoting ecological balance and reducing water usage. The garden itself is a key element of the house's design, with young trees planted around the structure. These trees, which align with the roofline of the house, will grow rapidly to provide a natural contrast to the surrounding agricultural landscape.

The Artistic and Functional Design of the Ocarina House

A Flexible Layout for Living, Work, and Exhibitions

The 40-square-meter space is designed to be multifunctional. It accommodates living quarters, a workshop, and an exhibition space, allowing the artist to live and create within the same environment. Even the open shower area doubles as an exhibition space, where large ceramic pieces—a nod to the region’s pottery traditions—are displayed for visitors.

Connection to the Old Studio

The new house maintains a strong connection to the artist’s old studio, which is accessible via a brick path carved into the hillside. This path not only serves as a functional connection but also enhances the aesthetic experience, blending old and new spaces while maintaining a flow between work, residence, and nature.

The Role of Nature and Local Craftsmanship

Integration with the Landscape

The landscape design plays an essential role in the Ocarina House. The surrounding garden is nourished by the rainwater collected from the roof, which is funneled through a unique structural element. This feature not only stabilizes the long wall of the house but also channels water for irrigation, contributing to the sustainability of the project.

Local Craftsmanship Influences

The house is located in a region with a rich history of clay craftsmanship, which deeply influences its design. The use of brick as a primary material reflects the local tradition of pottery, while the house’s connection to the artist’s previous studio highlights the continuity between past and present.

A Home That Doubles as an Artistic Space

The Ocarina House by LCLA Office is a masterful example of how architecture can integrate sustainability, art, and nature into a single cohesive space. Designed for an artist who seeks to live near their studio, this 40-square-meter home serves as both a residence and a gallery. Its thoughtful use of local materials, sustainable features, and connection to the landscape make it a truly unique and innovative space that celebrates the intersection of creativity and environment.

Photographs are work of Luis Callejas