A patchwork of ceramic, wood, concrete, and brick
A four-hour drive from Barcelona, Spain, leads to the small town of Jarque de la Val in Teruel, where a unique summerhouse stands as a testament to patient and thoughtful architecture. Designed to serve as a retreat for three families escaping the August heat, this summerhouse is a harmonious patchwork of red brick, old and new wood, stone, and concrete. Constructed on a very low budget with local labor and materials, the project embodies economic functionality and maximum shade to combat the intense summer heat.
The construction of this house unfolded over three spring seasons, with intermittent work guided by the architect’s presence, dictated by favorable weather conditions. The house was literally ‘slow-cooked’ over time, with architects showing up on site when the weather was nice. The patchwork of red brick, old and new wood, rubble, and concrete hints at the various stages of its construction.
The cottage is situated at the edge of the village, where houses give way to orchards. Its U-shaped design opens towards the lush landscape while providing privacy from neighboring homes. The structure ingeniously integrates the old stone walls and wooden beams of the original barn, preserving their historic charm. Additionally, reclaimed timber from nearby demolition sites and ceramic stairs and remnants discovered in storage have been repurposed to craft doors, windows, partitions, railings, and shutters, adding a layer of history and sustainability to the project.
A key material in the construction is 24cm thick thermo-clay blocks, chosen for their quick assembly, durability, and excellent humidity control. These blocks, combined with ceramics and prestressed concrete beams, create a robust, Lego-like structure. The entire space is unified under a large sloping roof, which extends over the central patio, providing ample shade and protection.
The house is accessed through a large recycled corral door, which opens to a communal space perfect for socializing with neighbors. Beyond this entrance lies the heart of the house: the central patio. This multipurpose area is shaded for most of the day and allows for effective air circulation. The patio serves as a hub, connecting the communal spaces on one side and three separate bedrooms on the other.
The communal areas, including the dining room, kitchen, and living room, are nestled within the thick stone walls of the old barn, keeping them cool throughout the day. The bedrooms, oriented towards the scenic landscape, are split into a lower level for parents and an upper level for children. The interior is divided using wooden frames, with wooden railings adding a rustic touch. These divisions are designed to be flexible, allowing for future adjustments if additional space partitioning is required.
The creation of this summerhouse over three springtimes is a story of careful material selection, thoughtful improvisation, and constant adaptation. The result is a beautifully slow-cooked architecture that offers shade and comfort under its expansive roof, providing a perfect retreat during the hot summer days.
Project: House in Three Springtimes / Location: C/ Fuente De La Salud Nº4. Jarque De La Val, Teruel. Spain / Architects: David Sebastian – Desarquitectes / Project team: Sandra Torres, Architect / Main contractor: Gruia Buna S.L / Consultants: Javier Monte, Structure / Suppliers: Tamaconsa S.L, Premon S.L, Carpinteria Gargallo, Maderas Teruel / Client: Felipe Escorihuela, Beatriz Escorihuela, BegoÑA Escorihuela / Built area: 230m² / Costs: 90.000€ / Completion: 2017.7. / Photograph: ⓒAdrià Goula (courtesy of the architect); ⓒJordi Salinas (courtesy of the architect)
