gurea arquitectura cooperativa: A single-family home designed using bioclimatic strategies, constructed in a workshop through an industrialized system of laminated wood, and meticulously completed on-site by its owners. Situated on the border between Navajeda village and the natural landscape, this home offers panoramic views of mountains, embraced by a winding stream and framed by magnificent, towering oaks. Embodying modern rural living, this project strives for a genuine and deep harmony with nature, reflecting our aspiration for an authentic connection to the environment.
The house stands as an abstract structure in the landscape, with a simple and compact shape, exuding contemporary style. Its facade incorporates natural materials such as cork and wood, combined with a laminated wood structure, seamlessly merging with the environment. The corrugated sheet metal roof mirrors the climatic shifts of the Cantabrian sky. Externally, the house's singular, simple volume contrasts with the intricacy of its spatial distribution indoors. A gallery traverses and divides the space into two, functioning most of the year as a greenhouse, distributing warm air to both sections of the house. The kitchen serves as the nexus between these two areas, shaping a floor plan in the form of an 'H'.
Leveraging prefabricated and industrialized systems facilitated substantial self-construction. The structure and envelope, composed of laminated wood frames, were crafted in a workshop and transported to the site, where their pieces were assembled in just one week. Finishes and a portion of the minor work were completed by the users themselves. The use of laminated wood reduced construction risks and time, carbon footprint, and energy demand. Enhanced insulation coupled with underfloor aerothermal heating equates to near-zero energy consumption. Nestled between rural life and nature, the dwelling perpetually embodies a dual condition: hermetic and permeable, natural and artificial, industrialized and artisanal, refuge and freedom.
About studio / author
Darío Cobo Calvo, an architect graduated from the Polytechnic University of Madrid (ETSAM, 2014), has cultivated his expertise through diverse educational pursuits at esteemed national and international institutions. His educational journey encompasses institutions like the Institut Français d'Urbanisme, ENSA Paris-Malaquais, UIMP, USP Ceu, and Círculo de BBAA.
As a founding partner of gurea arquitectura cooperativa, an architectural firm operating as a cooperative in Bilbao, Darío has played a pivotal role in its establishment and growth.
His professional voyage commenced in Paris, contributing his architectural skills at Lacaton & Vassal Architectes (2015-2017), actively involved in designing and executing collective housing projects. Subsequently, he ventured into IDOM (2017-2022), assuming responsibility for spearheading the design and coordination of projects centered around urban resilience and sustainability initiatives in West Africa.
In 2022, Darío co-founded gurea cooperative architecture alongside fellow architects. This cooperative is dedicated to crafting living spaces through design, construction, and refurbishment, focusing on affordability and a steadfast commitment to societal and environmental realities.
Acknowledgments
His contributions have been acknowledged with various accolades, including a special mention in the prestigious Peña Ganchegui 2023 Award for Young Basque Architecture and the XX Ortega-Alloza Architecture Award bestowed by the Official Architects Association of Cantabria.
