Casa Portillo, designed by architect Luis de Garrido for client Julio Portillo, is a striking residential project located in the scenic landscape of Chiva, Valencia. This 486.4 m² home in the El Bosque urbanization showcases an innovative approach to hillside architecture. Combining energy-efficient bioclimatic principles with a sensitivity to the natural surroundings, Casa Portillo is a thoughtful blend of landscape and modern design.
Built to Belong to the Hill
The central concept of Casa Portillo is to make the house an extension of the hill itself, almost as if it has emerged organically from the terrain. Situated on a challenging north-facing slope, the home is semi-buried into the hillside to harmonize with the topography and minimize its visual impact. This approach is also environmentally beneficial, as the semi-subterranean design provides natural insulation, keeping the house cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Additionally, a green roof, designed to mimic the surrounding landscape, contributes to the aesthetic and ecological integration of the house with the hill.
Thoughtful Layouts for Light and Views
Inside, Casa Portillo employs a straightforward yet effective spatial layout. The rooms are arranged in a linear pattern along a double-height central patio. This central courtyard acts as the heart of the home, connecting all the living spaces and allowing for vertical communication between floors. The patio design also serves a practical purpose: every room in the house has direct access to natural light, as well as panoramic views of the northern valley. Additionally, a glass floor on the fourth level channels sunlight down to lower levels, maximizing natural illumination throughout the home.
Passive Heating and Cooling Strategies
Casa Portillo’s design goes beyond aesthetics and functionality, incorporating sustainable heating and cooling methods. The patio’s positioning and orientation allow sunlight to penetrate deeply into the home, creating a greenhouse effect that warms the residence during the colder months. In summer, the house stays naturally cool due to a well-planned air flow system that circulates fresh air upwards through the structure, reducing the need for mechanical cooling. The architectural choices in Casa Portillo serve as passive climate controls, making it an energy-efficient residence aligned with bioclimatic principles.
Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living Spaces
Beyond the core structure, Casa Portillo offers seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, heightening the connection to the natural surroundings. The home’s main entry is on the upper part of the slope, allowing residents to descend into the residence through a protected staircase leading to a pool area. Here, two additional staircases connect with a large circular patio that brings daylight into the home and provides a space for outdoor relaxation. These design elements further strengthen the dialogue between the house and the landscape, creating a tranquil living experience centered on nature.
Conclusion
Casa Portillo by Luis de Garrido is a testament to environmentally responsive architecture. By embracing the hillside setting and incorporating natural climate control techniques, the residence creates a sustainable, harmonious relationship with its surroundings. Through intelligent use of space, light, and airflow, Casa Portillo provides a refined yet grounded living experience that exemplifies the potential of bioclimatic design.
