In the tranquil village of Albons, Spain, a remarkable dialogue between tradition and modernity unfolds. Casa Tres Patis, designed by Girona-based Twobo Arquitectura, transcends the typical dwelling, becoming a profound meditation on light, space, and connection to place. This contemporary Spanish architecture project masterfully revitalizes the ancient concept of the courtyard, weaving three distinct patios into the very fabric of the home, creating a fluid interplay between interior sanctuary and the lush Empordà landscape.
Replacing a dilapidated structure, the new build embraces its context with sensitivity. Twobo’s approach wasn’t about imposing a foreign form, but rather extracting the essence of the site and its Mediterranean vernacular. The resulting structure is a composition of clean lines and thoughtful volumes, anchored by a robust base clad in locally quarried Girona stone. This grounding element speaks to the region’s geology, while above, lighter volumes finished in crisp white render seem to float, punctuated by the defining feature: intricate ceramic lattice screens.
These ceramic lattice screens are far more than decorative; they are the lungs and filters of the house. Drawing inspiration from traditional Catalan elements, the lattice provides dappled shade, ensures privacy, and facilitates natural ventilation – a cornerstone of the project’s sustainable design strategy. The screens create ever-changing patterns of light and shadow within, transforming static walls into dynamic canvases throughout the day.
True to its name – Casa Tres Patis (House of Three Patios) – the courtyards form the heart of the architectural narrative, each choreographing movement and experience through distinct spatial roles. The Entrance Patio establishes a transitional threshold, offering an arrival moment of sheltered calm away from the street. Progressing inward, the expansive Social Patio seamlessly merges with living and dining areas through disappearing glass walls, dissolving boundaries to embody fluid indoor-outdoor living while framing constant dialogue with the landscape. Completing this tripartite courtyard design, the Private Patio serves the bedroom wing as an intimate sanctuary, balancing secluded tranquility with sky-filled luminosity through its enclosed yet airy configuration.
This tripartite courtyard design creates a natural cross-ventilation system, a key element of passive climate control. Air flows freely through the interconnected spaces, cooled by the thermal mass of the stone and the shading lattices, minimizing reliance on mechanical systems and enhancing occupant comfort with bioclimatic architecture principles.
Inside, the interior design reflects a minimalist serenity. Soaring ceilings with exposed concrete beams add a raw, honest texture, contrasting beautifully with smooth white walls and the warmth of natural oak used for joinery, doors, and built-in elements. The material palette is deliberately restrained – Girona stone, white render, ceramic lattice, concrete, and natural oak – creating spaces that feel both modern and timelessly anchored. The focus remains squarely on the quality of space and the framed views out to the patios and beyond.
Casa Tres Patis is more than a house; it’s a carefully calibrated environment. Twobo Arquitectura demonstrates how residential design can respectfully engage with its context, reinterpret historical elements like the courtyard for contemporary needs, and prioritize sustainable design through intelligent form and passive strategies. The house stands as a testament to the power of simplicity, the beauty of local materials, and the enduring relevance of connecting our living spaces deeply with the natural environment. It offers not just shelter, but a serene, light-filled experience deeply embedded in the spirit of Albons, Spain.