Modern Architectural Elegance in Godella’s Casa Tossal
In the picturesque neighborhood of Campolivar in Godella, near Valencia, Spain, Casa Tossal is a stunning example of contemporary design by Viruta Lab. Architects David Puerta and María Daroz have masterfully integrated this family home into its sloping landscape using an innovative series of horizontal platforms crafted from exposed concrete and warm timber. The casa tossal architecture captures the essence of modern elegance and seamlessly blends with the natural surroundings.
Shaping Space with Horizontal Concrete Forms
Casa Tossal’s design impresses with its broad, low-lying silhouette. The L-shaped structure employs board-marked concrete extensively, with a significant concrete band wrapping around its form to accentuate a horizontal line. This tactile texture, contrasted with smooth microcement surfaces, adds depth to the otherwise stark façade. The design conceals the upper level within its minimalist form, allowing for two bedrooms and a study without disrupting the visual fluidity. The casa tossal architecture represents a harmonious interaction between form and function, where the concrete architecture plays a crucial role.
The varied levels of the ground provide unique perspectives of the house from different vantage points. At the vehicular entrance, the terrain dips to expose the home’s impressive double-height portion, which is hidden from the garden side. The integration of trees and greenery softly contrasts with the hard concrete, creating a vibrant interplay between architecture and nature. This aspect of the casa tossal architecture embodies an innovative approach to blending structure with the landscape.
For more on blending modern materials with landscape, read about the vibrant redesign of Hastings’ Eagle House which harmonizes urban design with natural surroundings.
Timber Screens: Balance Between Privacy and Light in Casa Tossal Architecture
Timber elements add warmth and versatility to Casa Tossal’s exterior. Vertical wooden screens slide across large openings, providing a transformative quality to the façade by filtering sunlight and offering privacy. These movable timber slats imbue the concrete shell with a dynamic play of light and shadow, enhancing the material’s natural warmth, which is a staple of the casa tossal architecture.
The harmonious blend continues beneath extended roofs where timber-lined ceilings provide a soft, inviting transition in the sheltered outdoor areas. The casa tossal architecture effectively merges indoor and outdoor environments, creating a seamless interaction.
Inviting Front Entrance Through Nature
The journey to Casa Tossal’s front door is an architectural experience itself. Large platforms of exposed-aggregate concrete guide visitors through the meticulously landscaped garden, lined with ornamental grasses and flowering plants. The pathway concludes at a recessed entrance, enveloped by the overhead concrete roof and warmed by timber-lined ceilings extending into the interior space—the essence of casa tossal architecture.
Inside, the atmosphere becomes cozier. A wood-accented ceiling and natural-colored walls frame a welcoming space. Art pieces like the “Selvas de hierro N10” by Calo Carratalá, alongside Ethnicraft’s Spindle bench, enhance the foyer’s aesthetic with subtle sophistication, further reflecting the principles of casa tossal architecture.
Living Room: Concrete and Comfort
Within the living room, the design remains consistent with the home’s overarching theme. A commanding board-formed concrete fireplace anchors one wall, while restored mid-century chairs by Francés Barceló circle a custom walnut coffee table by Sonia Sabnani. This curated setting sits atop a large woven rug, balancing elegance and comfort—a hallmark of casa tossal architecture.
Gallery-quality artworks, including “Gris Flexible,” enhance the room’s refined aesthetic. The sheer curtains diffuse natural light against the backdrop of a richly paneled wood ceiling, adding an ambient glow to the space.
Dining Room Adorned with Custom Walnut
The dining area celebrates simplicity through its minimalist furnishings. Customized walnut furniture by Viruta Lab forms the centerpiece, with Tam Inox chairs by Ondarreta contributing elegant lines. Multifarious textures are introduced through natural woven panels on cabinetry, blending seamlessly into the room’s understated palette—a reflection of casa tossal architecture’s attention to detail.
Kitchen with Seamless Design and Function
The kitchen’s microcement cabinetry creates a minimalist, seamless look. Timber outlines articulate the form of drawers and doors, while integrated appliances offer hidden functionality. The contrasting textures of pale countertops and dark wood framing punctuate this sophisticated kitchen design, embodying the casa tossal architecture ethos.
An adjoining dining area presents a casual space with Midori chairs by Sancal adding textural variety. A low-profile pendant by LZF Lamps illuminates the setting, blurring the line between informal dining and culinary workspace.
Outdoor Elegance: Sheltered Patio and Pool
The rear garden unfolds across a wide lawn accessed through expansive glazed doors. A concrete canopy offers outdoor shelter, seamlessly connecting indoor living spaces to the landscape. The elevated swimming pool echoes the site’s terraced design, featuring a smooth overflow edge blending into the terrace setting, an integral element of casa tossal architecture.
For a creative take on using concrete in residential architecture, explore Québec home blending concrete and timber for breathtaking natural vistas.
Near the pool, Nusa armchairs and Bloom side tables by Zavotti provide relaxed seating space under the open sky, completing the serene outdoor ambiance.
Cigar Lounge with Enclosing Textures
Textured walls dominate the cigar lounge, fostering an intimate and cozy retreat. Herringbone-patterned wallpaper and a central concrete fireplace define the atmosphere. Caramel armchairs and a grey sofa invite comfort, centered around a Luna coffee table by Beltá & Frajumar.
The warm blend of materials creates a space perfect for relaxation, softly lit by a Cesta Metálica lamp.
Long Hallways and Sneakily Integrated Doors
The hallway in the private wing is cleverly designed to hide doors within woven textile panels, ensuring a clean aesthetic. Timber framing accents the composition, while a unique skirting board adds subtle architectural detail, all characteristic of casa tossal architecture.
Floating Staircase: A Sculptural Element
The staircase’s cantilevered concrete steps create an illusion of floating, contributing a sculptural quality to the home’s interior. Its openness and design purity reflect the architectural ethos seen throughout Casa Tossal, with timber finishes providing a warm continuity—a signature of casa tossal architecture.
The elegant integration of natural materials and innovative design showcases Viruta Lab’s creativity, creating a residence where structure and comfort coexist in harmony.
Source: contemporist.com
Frequently asked questions
Where is Casa Tossal located?
Casa Tossal is located in the picturesque neighborhood of Campolivar in Godella, near Valencia, Spain.
What materials are used in Casa Tossal’s architecture?
Casa Tossal utilizes exposed concrete and warm timber extensively in its design, incorporating board-marked concrete and smooth microcement surfaces.
How does Casa Tossal balance privacy and light?
Casa Tossal features vertical wooden screens that slide across large openings, providing privacy while filtering sunlight and creating a dynamic play of light and shadow.
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