SUNG: SAU Taller’s ‘Bellver Más Mateu’ Offers Breathtaking Catalan Mountain Views

A Mountain Retreat: SAU Taller d’Arquitectura’s Bellver Más Mateu

Nestled amidst the breathtaking Catalan landscape, the Bellver Más Mateu house stands as a testament to harmonious living. Designed by SAU Taller d’Arquitectura, this residence offers panoramic views of the majestic Cadí mountain range and the picturesque Tossa, providing a tranquil sanctuary for its inhabitants.

Situated on a generous 470-square-meter plot, the three-story abode effortlessly blends rustic charm with modern functionality. Thoughtfully positioned on a third of the expansive plot, the Bellver Más Mateu prioritizes accessibility. A cleverly integrated basement houses parking and a wellness spa, eliminating the need for cumbersome ramps.

Sunlight streams generously through expansive southeast-facing windows, illuminating the heart of the home.A spacious living room captures the golden hues of late afternoon, offering breathtaking vistas of the Cadí mountains, creating an inviting space for contemplation and relaxation. A welcoming bedroom suite completes this harmonious ground floor arrangement.

Ascending to the upper floor, discover two additional bedrooms, a tranquil study offering quiet retreats for focused endeavors, and two full bathrooms.The attic-like space, ingeniously utilized, maintains the structure’s compact yet functional profile.

SAU Taller d’Arquitectura drew inspiration from conventional mountain homes, imbuing the Bellver Más Mateu with simple elegance. A pitched slate roof echoes the region’s architectural heritage, while vertical openings accentuate the solid, compact volume. Local materials, like rugged Llívia stone and warm laminated fir wood, seamlessly weave the structure into its natural surroundings.

A notable architectural highlight emerges in the southeast corner, where the building gently curves inward, creating a captivating semi-exterior space. This ingenious manipulation of form optimizes natural light and ventilation,while providing a sheltered sanctuary extending the allure of the garden.

“taking inspiration from Catalan vernacular architecture,SAU Taller introduces a unique construction system for the Bellver Más Mateu,integrating load-bearing elements within the facade itself,” explains the architect. “This ingenious approach,blending wooden beams and a concrete compression layer,delivers remarkable structural stability. Their innovative technique permits spans of up to 6.3 meters, allowing slender beams to harmoniously align with the vertical elements, creating an aesthetically pleasing cohesion throughout the structure.”

Stepping inside, the Bellver Más Mateu reveals itself as a haven of airy spaciousness. Double-height ceilings amplify the sense of openness, guided by diagonal sightlines that connect various areas, creating a dynamic interplay of sight and space. Subtle changes in floor levels enhance the connection between the interior spaces and the landscape’s undulations, furthering the sense of fluidity and interconnectedness. Designed with adaptability at its core, the Bellver Más Mateu seamlessly blends practicality, aesthetics, and environmental responsiveness, creating a harmonious abode perfect for modern living.

A Catalan Retreat: Where Modernity Meets Traditional Charm

Tucked away in the heart of the picturesque Catalan landscape, a residence designed by the talented architects at Taller SAU stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of modern sensibilities and rustic mountain charm.

the home’s compact design, inspired by the time-honored architectural traditions of the region, embraces the warmth and beauty of natural materials. The architects meticulously orchestrated the layout,placing the essential living areas on the ground floor. This thoughtful arrangement creates a seamless flow throughout the home, allowing natural light to bathe every corner.

One of the most striking features is a clever southeast corner cutout. This architectural element not only illuminates the interior, flooding the space with natural light but also serves as a captivating ventilation system. Simultaneously, it creates a private outdoor garden haven, providing a tranquil escape amidst the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

The architects at Taller SAU have masterfully crafted a dwelling that seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings, offering a unique and inspiring living experience.

How does the Bellver Más Mateu residence incorporate traditional Catalan architectural elements into its modern design?

Interview with Marc Solà, Architect at SAU Taller d’Arquitectura

We spoke with Marc Solà, the lead architect behind the stunning Bellver Más Mateu residence nestled in the Catalan landscape, to delve into the design philosophy and inspirations behind this captivating dwelling.

What inspired the distinctive design of the Bellver Más Mateu house?

Our design inspiration drew heavily from traditional Catalan vernacular architecture, particularly the use of natural materials and the way local homes nestled into the rugged landscape.We wanted to create a space that felt both contemporary and deeply connected to its surroundings.

The Bellver Más Mateu seamlessly blends rustic charm with modern functionality. Tell us more about the balance you strived for in this design.

We believe that modern living doesn’t have to sacrifice the comfort and warmth that traditional architecture offers. By incorporating local materials like Llívia stone and laminated fir wood, we achieved a sense of timeless elegance. The compact yet functional layout ensures that every space serves a purpose while maintaining an open and airy atmosphere.

The southeast corner cutout is a particularly striking feature. Can you elaborate on its design intention?

That unique element was designed to maximize natural light and ventilation while simultaneously creating a sheltered outdoor haven. By gently curving the facade inwards,we formed a semi-exterior space that blurs the boundaries between indoors and out. It’s a perfect spot for enjoying the breathtaking views and connecting with the surrounding landscape.

What where some of the key architectural challenges you faced in this project?

One of the main challenges was finding a way to integrate the load-bearing elements into the facade itself. We developed a unique construction system that combines wooden beams with a concrete compression layer, allowing for wide spans and a seamless aesthetic.This innovative approach added a modern twist to the traditional architectural language of the region.

Looking ahead, what are your thoughts on the future of sustainable and eco-pleasant design in architecture?

Sustainability is at the core of our design philosophy. We believe that buildings should be harmonious with both their environment and the people who inhabit them. By utilizing local materials, maximizing natural light and ventilation, and incorporating energy-efficient technologies, we strive to create spaces that are both beautiful and environmentally responsible.

The Bellver Más Mateu is a testament to the power of thoughtful design to create a truly exceptional living experience. as Marc Solà eloquently shared, the home’s unique blend of tradition and innovation serves as an inspiration for future sustainable and environmentally conscious architectural endeavors.It leaves us pondering: What elements of traditional design can we reimagine in modern architecture to create homes that are not only visually stunning but also deeply connected to the environment and our well-being?