Gavarres Weekend Home by ZEST architecture

This old stone house was renovated by ZEST architecture to create a spectacular modern house that was surrounded by oak forest with a distant views of the Mediterranean sea.

Architect: ZEST architecture

According to the architects: Our work aimed to create a modern, luxury estate in an old stone envelope. We've opened the house up on all sides, letting the light flood in and bringing the view inside. The house sits on a steep incline and we've connected house and garden on various levels.

When this was a farmhouse, traditionally the animals would have lived downstairs, with the livings spaces upstairs. We therefore chose to place the bedrooms on the lower level (so they stay nice and cool in summer) and the living spaces on the first floor, to make best use of the views and to allow direct access to the newly created south facing part of the garden with the swimming pool.

The house is now insulated to Passivhaus standards, using cork insulation, which is locally produced (in part from the cork of this house's estate). These are set behind Claytec panels of straw en clay, making sure the old stone wall remains a breathable construction, while keeping the warmth in during winter and the heat out in summer. Natural Claytec plaster eliminates the need for paint, making the house an utterly non-chemical environment.

ZEST designed special sliding windows, which disappear into the wall when opened, so that the view towards the sea is uninterrupted.

A natural pool with a plant and gravel filter system provides an additional spectacular view from the living spaces year round. The house has a geothermal installation for heating and hot water, and stays pleasantly cool in summer without air conditioning, thanks to well designed cross ventilation through open doors and windows. There will soon be a hybrid installation (solar panels plus a small windmill) to provide off the grid electric power.

Longitudinal section over house, garden and pool

Water management: rainwater catchment, black water recycling through reed beds for garden irrigation

Geothermal installation: cooling floor in summer and underfloor heating in winter

> Stone House by Marion Regitko Architects
> Stone House by Henkin Shavit