Escorial 5
Architecture and its Integration into Nature
An essential key to good architectural design is to take into account all the characteristics of the physical space where the structure will be built.
In fact, adapting the design to the environment is an exciting challenge the more specific the characteristics of the site are. This adaptation also offers a wonderful opportunity to implement imaginative and effective solutions that not only solve the challenges of uneven topography, but also contribute to the home’s comfort and habitability, without sacrificing originality and aesthetic beauty.
Our experience at OM28 Architects has taught us general applications such as the use of cantilevers to control the entry of sunlight, cross ventilation to improve air flow and the creation of shaded spaces for thermal comfort.
However, repeating the same architectural models without considering the specific conditions of each location is inefficient and unsustainable. Consequently, successful design should always be based on an in-depth analysis of the site that details the topography, climate, plant life and even the sounds in the area, to successfully integrate each architectural element with the natural environment around it.
Places like Sotogrande offer a host of privileged natural environments, but they can vary greatly depending on whether the home is near the coast, on a river bank or on the side of a hill surrounded by nature. So it is essential to take into consideration the particular microclimate of the area and elements such as the orientation with respect to the sun, the impact of the different types of wind typical to the area, the Levante (easterly wind) and Poniente (westerly wind), and the characteristics of the terrain.
Examples of this modern, sustainable vision for architectural design abound in our designs. When designing in Sotogrande, it is very common to take advantage of hillsides and slopes to integrate the home into the landscape with the orientation needed to maximise the sunlight in winter and minimise it in summer, thereby contributing to the building’s light and temperature. All of this, together with the incorporation of advanced technology in terms of HVAC systems, ensures that the homes are energy efficient and sustainable, reducing their environmental impact.
