Ca’n Terra interior with terma door. Photo by Ensamble Studio.
Terma facade is formed from thin plastic sheets resembling glass blocks. Photo by Ensamble Studio.
Photo by Iwan Baan.
Photo by Iwan Baan.
Exterior lounge. Photo by Ensamble Studio.
Detail of exterior terma facade. Photo by Ensamble Studio.
Ca’n Terra is almost entirely camouflaged in nature. Photo by Iwan Baan.
Should you ever find yourself in the stony landscape of
Ca’n Terra (meaning ‘house belonging to the earth’ in Catalan) manifested from a happy discovery during the couple’s family vacation. A stumble into the cavern that was actually an abandoned Mares stone quarry occupied during the Spanish Civil War prompted the architects to purchase the empty site — thus beginning the process of transforming the quarry into a
The process began with crucial laser scans in the dark, allowing the architects to understand and carve out potentials within the interior terrain. Inside the new home that stretches to 1,000 square metres unfurls a series of uncategorised rooms. Each space can be perceived as a lounge, social or intimate spaces when desired. Furniture is minimal, otherwise selected to fit into the nook or cranny of the carved space. Even metal elements are only introduced where safety measures are made—such as the balustrades between levels.
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Site section 3D scan courtesy of Ensamble Studio.
Site section courtesy of Ensamble Studio.
Site plan courtesy of Ensamble Studio.
The highlight truly are the solid and confident geometries formed around the chiselled walls. Through
Taking impressions of existing sculpted elements, newly carved volumes are used to create an impression between a platform, otherwise a staircase at users’ will. Tucked somewhere in the back and away from the main corridor is a private room with a pool dug out of the floor—a refined version of swimming holes often enjoyed in nature.
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The lone tree fell dramatically into the house during the construction of the carved lightwell. Photo by Iwan Baan.
Photo by Iwan Baan.
The pool is dug out of the floor—a refined version of swimming holes enjoyed in nature. Photo by Iwan Baan.
Photo by Iwan Baan.
Photo by Iwan Baan.
Photo by Iwan Baan.
Additional elements are introduced to exacerbate Ensamble’s principle of making opportunities in found and natural elements. Thin
The entire home feels like an archaeological site of a forgotten home, especially the lone tree next to the lounge-like area with its roots wrapped around a boulder that fell dramatically into the house as a result of a purposefully carved lightwell.
There is no denying the radiating excitement contained within the walls of this home, especially when Ensamble are known for their archi-geological wonders. A singular dwelling
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