Sustainable House Renovation: The House with Three Gardens by Allen + Crippa

The House with Three Gardens by Allen + Crippa in Fuenlabrada, Spain, is a stunning example of sustainable house renovation. This project showcases how thoughtful design and innovative solutions can transform a fire-damaged building into a beautiful, functional, and eco-friendly home.

The Concept of Sustainable House Renovation

Sustainable house renovation involves reusing and repurposing existing structures to minimize environmental impact while creating modern, efficient living spaces. The House with Three Gardens is a testament to this concept, demonstrating how sustainability and design excellence can go hand in hand.

The Fire and the Challenge

After a basement fire spread and destroyed large parts of the building, the architects faced a significant challenge: how to deal with the damaged structure. Instead of opting for complete demolition, Allen + Crippa chose a strategy of partial dismantling starting from the attic, followed by an extension. This approach allowed for the reuse of a significant portion of the building's structure, shortened the construction time, and preserved the existing garden with its beautiful trees and plants.

Innovative Structural Solutions

A new timber frame structure on the upper floor rests on the exterior walls and spans the entire width of the house. This innovative solution enabled a new floor plan that functions independently of the existing load-bearing walls on the ground floor. The substantial timber beams are defining elements of the space, forming a grid with nine interconnected rooms delineated by large sliding doors.

Exposing the Spiral Staircase

The existing spiral staircase, exposed thanks to the open floor plan, takes on a new significance in the renovated space. It becomes a central feature, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the interior.

The Gardens: A Symphony of Green Spaces

The House with Three Gardens lives up to its name with three distinct garden spaces that enhance its sustainability and beauty.

The Ground Floor Garden

An intensively green plant ring marks the transition between the existing ground floor and the new construction on the upper floor. This garden serves as a canopy with structural sun protection for the ground floor and simultaneously promotes biodiversity.

The Rooftop Garden

The rooftop garden, featuring an elevated PV system, allows for abundant vegetation and a cooling effect for the house. This green roof not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also contributes to energy efficiency by reducing heat absorption.

The Courtyard Garden

The courtyard garden, preserved from the original structure, provides a serene outdoor space for relaxation and recreation. Its mature trees and plants add to the overall charm and sustainability of the home.

Promoting Biodiversity and Energy Efficiency

The integration of green spaces and sustainable technologies like the PV system demonstrates Allen + Crippa's commitment to promoting biodiversity and energy efficiency. These elements are crucial in reducing the environmental footprint of the house and creating a healthier living environment.

The House with Three Gardens by Allen + Crippa is a prime example of sustainable house renovation. By reusing existing structures, incorporating innovative design solutions, and integrating green spaces, this project sets a benchmark for future renovations. It shows how sustainability and design excellence can coexist, creating beautiful, functional, and eco-friendly homes.