Sardinera House / Ramón Esteve

Architects: Ramón Esteve
Area: 1,285 m²
Year: 2014
Photography: Mariela Apollonio
Lead Architect: Ramón Esteve
Project Team: Anna Bosca, Estefanía Pérez, Víctor Ruiz, María Martí
Technical Architect: Emilio Pérez
Collaborators: Tudi Soriano, Natalia Fonseca
Construction: Construcciones Francés
Project Manager: Gonzalo Llin
City: València
Country: Spain

Sardinera House, designed by Ramón Esteve, is a 1,285 m² residence perched on a hillside between El Portixol and Cala Blanca in Spain. Oriented east-west, the house maximizes natural air currents and sunlight for energy efficiency. Its east facade is sheltered by overhangs, while the west side features motorized adjustable louvres for climate control. Completed in 2014, the home integrates sustainable features such as double-glazed windows, thermal insulation, and a rainwater collection system for irrigation. The design combines concrete and wood, blending textures and forms to highlight its tectonic character.

Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, Sardinera House harmonize with its surroundings through native landscaping and strategic site placement. The house takes full advantage of its hillside location, merging architectural elegance with the natural beauty of the coastal environment. The use of sustainable materials and energy-efficient design choices aligns the home with its landscape, offering both aesthetic appeal and environmental sensitivity.

The house’s east-west orientation allows for efficient use of natural air currents and sunlight. The east facade is protected by overhangs, while the west facade features motorized adjustable blades that block sunlight in summer and allow breezes, while opening up in winter to capture sunlight.

Large glass surfaces are fitted with double coatings, providing both thermal and acoustic insulation, as well as solar control. The house also has a 10cm layer of high-density extruded polystyrene for additional thermal insulation.

Beneath the outdoor pool is a 100,000-liter underground rainwater collection tank, which is used for irrigation. Native plants are integrated into the landscape, requiring minimal water through an exudation system.

The house operates via a home automation system that controls air conditioning, lighting, and irrigation, ensuring optimal energy consumption.

The house’s two longitudinal facades are contrasting. The west-facing entrance facade is opaque and protected by adjustable shutters made of whitened Accoya wood, blocking sunlight and limiting street views.

In contrast, the east facade is transparent, with large glass panes protected by cantilevers and twisting curtains that evoke a Mediterranean atmosphere.

The house’s strong tectonic character is emphasizes by its expressive materials. The white concrete and timber texture blend seamlessly, especially noticeable around the lateral windows, creating a unified aesthetic.