Proyecto Casa Loredo NAVC01
Año
Lugar
2024
Santander
Team Miguel Crespo Picot, Javier Guzmán Benito, Sixto Martín Martínez
ZOOCO ESTUDIO (www.zooco.es) Colaborators: Paula Cruz
Photos David Zarzoso
Construction COBOMAN S.L
Ilumination ZOOCO ESTUDIO (www.zooco.es)
Mobiliary ZOOCO ESTUDIO (www.zooco.es)
Sea and Stone: Vernacular Architecture in a
Contemporary Key
An architecture that blends tradition with modernity is possible
Casa Loredo is the second single-family residence in the series titled "New Vernacular
Architecture of the Cantabrian Coast" (NAVC). Located in the Cantabrian town from which it
takes its name, this dwelling seeks to reinterpret the traditional building techniques of the
region, adapting them to contemporary needs. Taking advantage of a series of commissions
along the Cantabrian coast, NAVC aims to demonstrate that an architecture blending tradition
and modernity is indeed achievable.
Often, existing regulations are based on outdated traditions, posing a challenge when
designing modern homes that respect both the context and the historical fabric of the place.
A viewpoint to the Sea
Set on the shores of the Cantabrian Sea, and surrounded by pines and holm oaks, Casa Loredo
occupies an elongated plot with open views to the northwest. From this privileged position,
one can see the city of Santander across the bay. The landscape was a central consideration in
the design, with the house conceived as a grand lookout. Its expansive glazed surfaces foster a
deep connection with the surroundings and enhance the sensation of proximity to the sea.
Materiality and tradition
Casa Loredo is a statement of intent regarding materiality, reflecting honesty, authenticity, and
respect for tradition. Vernacular construction techniques have been reinterpreted and
integrated into a contemporary architectural language. The façade embodies the project’s
philosophy through limestone masonry, a craft technique evoking purity and tradition. This
approach not only allows the house to blend seamlessly into its natural context, but also
reinforces its Cantabrian identity.
Response to the environment
The house’s orientation entails direct exposure to the winds and rains of the Cantabrian Sea,
presenting a design challenge. To mitigate these effects, strategies such as sheltered
courtyards, porches, and overhanging eaves have been employed to provide refuge from the
elements.
Spatial organization
The dwelling is arranged around an L-shaped floor plan, with two wings that can function
independently or as a whole. The east-west wing houses the common areas and the master
bedroom, forming the most frequently used part of the home. In contrast, the north-south
wing is dedicated to guest rooms. This layout becomes apparent at the entrance, where the
two wings converge. The interplay of solid and void, along with visual transparency, allows the
sea to be visible from the point of access, reinforcing the connection to the landscape.
Reinterpretation of materials
A cornerstone of the project is the reinterpretation of traditional materials. The limestone
masonry walls, characteristic of Cantabrian architecture, are employed in an innovative
manner. Wood appears in select sections of the wall surfaces and plays a central role in both
the exterior and interior ceilings, arranged in slats that emphasize the home’s directional
orientation toward the sea. The structure of the house is composed of reinforced concrete
shear walls alternating with glass panels, shaping the architecture in a dynamic and functional
way.
Casa Loredo exemplifies how tradition and modernity can coexist in harmony, offering an
architecture that engages with its environment and responds to contemporary needs without
losing its identity.
Technical sheet
Official project name: Casa Loredo NAVC01
Location: Loredo, Cantabria (Spain)
Completion year: 2024
Architecture and design: ZOOCO ESTUDIO - www.zooco.es
Team: Miguel Crespo Picot, Javier Guzmán Benito, Sixto Martín Martínez.
Collaborators: Paula Cruz
Construction: COBOMAN S.L
Lighting design: ZOOCO ESTUDIO
Furniture: ZOOCO ESTUDIO
Main materials: Limestone masonry, wood, glass, reinforced concrete
Sector: Single-family housing
Photography: David Zarzoso
About ZOOCO ESTUDIO
Founded by Miguel Crespo Picot, Javier Guzmán Benito, and Sixto Martín Martínez, ZOOCO
ESTUDIO is an architecture firm based in Madrid and Santander. Their work is characterized by
contemporary, sober, and rigorous architecture, with a focus on both materiality and context.
The firm has been recognized for its ability to balance innovation, sustainability, and respect for
the environment in each of its projects.