House in the Woods is a minimalist home located in Tarragona, Spain, designed by andrea + joan arquitectes. The aim of the restoration was to reforge a connection between the original structure and the surrounding landscape, a feature intrinsic to the area’s cultural heritage. The house, characterized by a rectangular floor plan spanning two levels, included an attached shed in poor condition, originally used for agricultural purposes. The ground floor was built using stone masonry, featuring wooden beams and ceramic vaults, while the upper floor was constructed with ceramic walls and pilasters supporting a gabled roof of wooden beams and ceramic tiles. Adopting a concentric approach, the renovation focused on the existing wall structure. The functional aspects of the house, such as the kitchen, sofa, and stairs, were arranged along these walls, creating a central space. A new insulation layer added to the building enhanced thermal efficiency and gives the walls added depth.
The original windows, strategically placed to offer views of both nearby and distant landscapes, were transformed into multifunctional spaces. The upper floor retained its original layout, with three similarly sized rooms accessed through the central area. This space, unusually tall for a building of this kind, leads to two rooms at either end, minimally furnished to preserve the structure’s integrity. In a bid to integrate interior and exterior spaces, the dilapidated shed was converted into a vibrant, open bathroom, complete with a large window that introduces light and views. The project’s philosophy extended outdoors with minimal yet effective alterations: consolidating terraces, restoring and constructing stone walls, adding a pergola, repurposing an old watering trough, and reinforcing slopes with native plants. The material choices reflect the hues of the surrounding forest, with an emphasis on natural textures and tones. This included the use of slate, green foliage-inspired elements, ceramics for outdoor areas, and natural finishes for wood and clay interiors.
