Reimagining Spaces: Fran Silvestre Arquitectos Breathes New Life into The Empty House

Situated on the main street of a town near Valencia, this house is a relic of 20th-century history. The existing façade and building footprint are preserved, and to address the excess volume, it is proposed to empty the interior space and present it in a modern way. The façade is unified with an antelope grey treatment that is barely visible. Upon entering, one is taken to another era. Only what is necessary is enclosed and air-conditioned, creating a triple-height volume that can be used throughout the year in a Mediterranean climate. The day area is located close to the dividing wall, in continuity with a pool large enough for swimming, which appears to merge with the Valencian fields. The guest room and the multipurpose room address the change of direction that the site offers, a twist between two pieces separated by just a few millimetres.

The remaining area of this floor is unoccupied, prompting one to ponder the magnitude of a room with seemingly boundless vistas. The night area is laid out transversely, forming a bridge that frames the views. The master bedroom is situated above the living room, facing the same direction. The plan reveals sloping roofs with an influx of light from above, a space that will be put to good use. The wood from the former beams of the ruined house is recycled to construct the furniture of the residence, and just as the space of the house has been carefully considered, the material is given a new lease on life.