Vera House

Vera House | Burgos, Spain | 2023
[VERNE arquitectura]

Nestled in the historic town of Oña, this dwelling is built to accommodate the family of a visual artist and their art collection. With a sustainable and truthful design, it consists in a building that simultaneously meets the needs of a home and an exhibition space. Situated on a medieval plot between party walls, overlooking the staircase of the Monastery of San Salvador, Casa Vera seamlessly integrates into its surroundings.

Strategically positioned, the residence enjoys exceptional views of the monastic complex, home to authentic architectural gems of Castilian Romanesque and Gothic styles. Additionally, its south-facing facade captures sunlight throughout the day, providing continuous exposure and efficient solar energy. The entrance, discreetly located on the west side, establishes a connection with local history by linking to the gate of an ancient synagogue.

The residence comprises three bedrooms, a kitchen, a living room, and an artist’s workshop. Spanning four levels, the dwelling meticulously organizes spaces to blend daily life, creative activity, and the exhibition of an extensive art collection. The central staircase, more than a mere vertical connector, acts as a filtering device, offering privacy as needed for the surrounding spaces. A series of walkways, interspersed between double-height spaces, outline the exhibition journey of the project.

The residence materializes a symbiosis between design and sustainability, adopting a palette of simple and sustainable materials such as plaster, polished concrete, and birch wood. This selection, besides imparting a sober and minimalist aesthetic, aligns with the rural environment, generating a positive impact on the local circular economy. In terms of energy efficiency, the underfloor heating system, controlled by Google Nest smart thermostats, not only allows remote temperature programming but also learns and optimizes energy consumption, thus enhancing operational sustainability.

The facade and roof, subject to strict regulations governing the historical ensemble of the town of Oña, discreetly integrate into the surrounding urban fabric. The application of the white External Thermal Insulation Composite System (ETICS) on both the facades and the roof establishes a continuous thermal envelope, providing uninterrupted insulation that prevents heat loss. This solution gives the residence its own identity, with a contemporary style, a discreet, and well-integrated appearance.

In conclusion, Casa Vera stands as a synthesis of the past and present, exploring the possibilities of architectural design and energy efficiency. Every corner of this dwelling serves a specific function and, at the same time, contributes to an architectural narrative where history, art, and good design converge. Text description by the architects.