The project focuses on creating sustainable single-family homes integrated into the natural environment of urbanisation in Orihuela. The proposal firmly commits to respect for the environment, implementing constructive solutions that use ecological materials, such as wood in the interior structure and thermoclay in the outer envelope. These decisions seek to improve energy efficiency and recover native vegetation by planting oaks and pines, controlling erosion, and using materials with low environmental impact. The goal is to achieve a four-sheet evaluation in the Green tool, which qualifies the sustainability of architectural projects.
These homes’ architecture also focuses on residents’ well-being, promoting a healthy design that uses natural materials such as mud, stone and wood. These materials have been selected for their ability to improve air quality and contribute to the physical health of the inhabitants, avoiding the use of industrial products that can be harmful. The landscape design is designed to integrate harmoniously with the natural environment, using vegetation that promotes biodiversity and creating gardens that invite local birds to inhabit the area, thus maintaining the ecological balance.
The architectural design of the houses seeks a fluid integration between the interior and exterior spaces. Each room has direct access to a garden area, creating a symmetrical relationship between the two. This concept redefines the Mediterranean lifestyle, promoting outdoor life in a natural and protected environment. The outdoor rooms complement the interiors, offering areas to meditate, exercise, or enjoy the landscape. In addition, the house’s structure combines laminated wood, steel and OSB beams, which optimises the structural performance and sustainability of the project.
One of the distinctive elements of the project is the optimisation of solar orientation and natural ventilation. Pergolas and textile awnings protect the rooms from excessive solar radiation, allowing natural light and air circulation to enter. Using home automation to control ventilation and sun protection ensures a comfortable environment at all times, minimising artificial air conditioning systems. This combination of architectural strategies guarantees an efficient house adaptable to the needs of the Mediterranean climate.
The Levantine orchard and Mediterranean gardens, which have low water consumption, inspire the landscape surrounding the houses. Traditional irrigation techniques, such as ditches and pools, have been incorporated, and native species, such as pines, carob trees, olive trees and aromatic plants, have been planted. These plantations contribute to the place’s aesthetics and promote the preservation of biodiversity, especially of the protected birds in the Sierra de Escalona. The landscape design also incorporates a garden of succulents and palms inspired by Mexican gardens, which minimises the use of grass and favours a natural and sustainable environment.
The daily experience in the homes of Terrazza Mimosa is designed so that residents enjoy a constant connection with nature. The spaces are designed to be comfortable in summer and winter seasons. Every detail seeks to improve physical and emotional well-being, from yoga and meditation in private gardens to outdoor baths inspired by Japanese onsen. The outdoor areas, such as pergolas and swimming pools, are integrated with the interior rooms, offering a lifestyle in which nature and architecture coexist perfectly.
