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Industrial White Punched Metal, a Green Lagoon and… Chooks?

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High humidity and hot temperatures in this region of Southern Spain dictated an open plan centered on a cooling lagoon for this Cadiz house overlooking the Strait of Gibralta by James & Mau.

White metal makes an intriguing contrast with the languid green lagoon that surrounds the house.

The client’s brief required a chooks-friendly design, adding a charming rustic touch to the industrial design.

The only non-metal design element is the wooden hen house – chooks like their traditions.

A hammock slung between the two buildings offers a central lazing destination in what feels like a canal between two buildings.

The canals serve a purpose.

The house is designed as three separate small “houses”, with “streets” between them, encouraging cross ventilation.

The house adapts to the climate by following the vernacular traditions of architecture of Andalusian architecture – small separate buildings separated by narrow streets and patios that pull breezes into the narrow alleys.

Indoors, the all white traditions of these “pueblos blancos” is referenced even in the white bleached floorboards.

The exterior of the house is entirely clad in white punched metal.

Infiniski supplied the modular prefabricated construction with sustainable materials.

The same mesh that is used for the cladding is also used for the pergola, creating continuity between the elements of the house.

A solar thermal system supplies heat in winter and hot water year round.

But while the house is modern and sustainable and has an industrial-chic quality, its theoretical design rationale builds on ancient local sustaintraditions.