House for a writer
The project rebuilds an old annexed shed placed in the backyard of a traditional "casa de vecinos" in the renowned Flamenco quarter of San Miguel in Jerez de la Frontera.
The initial building was bought by a foreing writer who wanted to settle his retirement residence in the city after years living in different countries.
The adquired shed had barely 28sqm, and the sheme proposed by the owner consisted of one bedroom, terrace, bathroom, an opened private space for plants and a lounge with open kitchen.
The space addmitted by the urbanistics laws establish an available surface of 40sm. A reduced space if we have the exposed program into consideration.
Complying with the program in a successful way was only possible following some essential steps:
- Taking advantage of the free surface of the communal "patio" in front of the house. A large sliding door was designed to overflow the domestic activities toward the courtyard.
- Creating an interrelated unitary space. Aswell as the staircase is connected with the terrace the whole upper floor is considered as a free multipurpose space with bedroom, terrace and a private patio, related at the same time with the donwstairs through a skylight placed in the floor.
- Add a calm facade trying not to disturb the consolidated residential environment.
Due economical conditions most of the structural elements are exposed. The materials are basic but elegant choices. Enoughts to complete this small but compact refurbishment of an old piece of the city.