Casa Realejo

Realejo House: A Contemporary Ode to Granada's Traditional Carmen

Nestled in the historic El Realejo neighborhood of Granada, Spain, the Realejo House masterfully reinterprets the traditional concept of a "Carmen." This unique architectural project seamlessly integrates the timeless allure of Granada's heritage with modern design principles, resulting in a residence that embodies the essence of living harmoniously between interior and exterior spaces.

Redefining the Traditional Carmen

The traditional Carmen is characterized by its extension towards the exterior through porticoed spaces, serving as transitional zones between the house and its garden. These porticos, often considered ephemeral structures, provide an intermediary realm that blurs the boundaries of indoor and outdoor living. The Realejo House takes this concept and redefines it by permanently incorporating these transitional spaces into its design, creating a seamless flow that crystallizes a uniquely Mediterranean way of living.

A Continuous Structure

The Realejo House is conceived as a continuous structure, binding the house and the patio into a cohesive whole. This design approach ensures that the transition between interior and exterior spaces is fluid and natural. By incorporating the ephemeral porticos as permanent features, the house offers a living experience that is both dynamic and harmonious. The result is a residence that not only respects the historical essence of the Carmen but also adapts it to contemporary lifestyles.

Living Between Interior and Exterior

One of the most striking features of the Realejo House is its ability to create a seamless connection between interior and exterior spaces. The design embraces the Mediterranean climate, encouraging residents to live as much outdoors as indoors. The patio, a quintessential element of the Carmen, becomes an integral part of daily life. Whether it’s a quiet morning coffee, an afternoon siesta, or an evening gathering, the patio serves as a versatile extension of the living space.

Architectural Harmony

The architectural language of the Realejo House speaks to both tradition and modernity. The use of materials and structural elements pays homage to the historical context of El Realejo while introducing contemporary aesthetics and functionality. The porticoed spaces, now permanent fixtures, are designed with a sensitivity to light, shadow, and spatial flow, ensuring that every corner of the house is connected to the natural environment.

A Crystallized Way of Living

In its essence, the Realejo House crystallizes a peculiar way of living that is deeply rooted in the cultural and environmental context of Granada. The integration of the house with its exterior spaces reflects a lifestyle that values the interplay of light, air, and nature. This approach not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the residence but also promotes a sense of well-being and connectivity with the surroundings.

Conclusion

The Realejo House stands as a contemporary ode to Granada’s traditional Carmen, elegantly merging the old with the new. By permanently incorporating the transitional porticoed spaces, the house offers a living experience that is uniquely Mediterranean. This residence is more than just a house; it is a celebration of architectural heritage and modern innovation, a space that invites residents to live harmoniously between the interior and exterior, and a testament to the timeless beauty of Granada’s architectural legacy.

Credits

Project: Rubens Cortés Arquitectos
Architect: Rubens Cortés Cano
Collaborators: Raúl Melguizo, Antonio Delgado
Technical Architect: Jesús Chinchilla
Structrual Engineer: Francisco Vilchez, Rafael Vega
Builder: Nelson Pilliza
Interior Designer: Marta Gamarro
Landscaper: Ignacio Morón
Lighting Designer: José Benitez_Big Lighting