On the Spanish island of Menorca, local architect Marina Senabre builds CASA E with large openings that frame countryside views “like works of art on the wall”. The house is intended to reflect both the architecture of the Mediterranean island and minimal contemporary design.
Both structures are rendered and painted white. One is a long rectangular building with a flat gravel roof, while the other is a smaller gabled unit topped with recycled terracotta tiles.
The contrast between the purity of the geometry and the sinuous nature that surrounds the house is equally important, the architecture seems to settle on the landscape in a respectful way, integrating and standing out at the same time. The Menorca countryside manages to enter the house through the large square openings, like works of art on the wall that completely link it to the territory.
The interior of the house has been designed to reflect the same duality, it is minimalist and also warm, thanks to continuous materials that cover horizontal and vertical surfaces always in contact with traditional elements, such as natural woodwork. There is no place for ornament, the house values the concept, proportion and simplicity.
The program is distributed in the two pieces, which work independently. Living spaces, including the kitchen, dining and lounge are housed in the larger volume. They connect with each other and with the outside through the large openings and the interior patios, which articulate and illuminate the more private rooms.
The smaller piece acts as an auxiliary pavilion and contains, on the one hand, the complete guest room and, on the other, a space for playing sports and a small indoor pool, a place completely in contact with the landscape to relax and contemplate the countryside of Menorca.
