Integrating Architecture with Nature: A Visual and Spatial Dialogue in Casa Tres Patios
Design in Harmony with the Surrounding Landscape
Nestled in the village of Albons, in Catalonia, Casa Tres Patios serves as a model for rethinking the relationship between built form and natural surroundings. Instead of isolating the house from its environment, the design weaves architecture into the landscape through intentional visual and material interplay. This creates seamless transitions between architecture and nature.
Functional Zoning Inspired by Nature
Outdoor areas are divided into three open zones, each reflecting a feature of the local ecosystem:
• Orchards
• Meadows
• Sea
Dense vegetation wraps around these spaces, subtly guiding movement and directing the gaze. At the same time, this layout fosters a sense of privacy and spatial coherence, demonstrating seamless transitions between architecture and nature.
Layered Perception of the Garden
The planting approach encourages a dual reading of the garden.
On one level, it appears unified and continuous. On another, it unfolds as a sequence of distinct, evolving moments experienced through movement. This allows for seamless transitions between architecture and nature.
Entry Flow and the Shaping of Visual Axes
As visitors enter, a small courtyard with lemon trees marks the shift from public to private space.
At the centre stands a tall linden tree—both a climatic buffer and a visual anchor—that ties together different zones of the site.
Guided Views and Spatial Connection
Cross-cutting sightlines form a web of visual connections that guide circulation.
These perspectives also stretch the gaze outward, linking the house to the wider landscape and leading the eye toward the eastern horizon, where the Empordà plains meet the Mediterranean Sea. Thus, the architectural design ensures seamless transitions between architecture and nature.
Gradual Transitions: A Design Language Between Architecture and Nature
Material Gradation as a Guide for Movement
One of the most distinctive features of Casa Tres Patios lies in its calculated use of material gradation to shape pathways.
Stone paving—crafted from locally sourced mineral elements—starts around the building and becomes less prominent as one moves outward. Eventually, it blends seamlessly into Mediterranean plant cover deeper in the garden.
This shift represents more than just a physical transition. It captures the seamless transitions between architecture and nature in a smooth, visually engaging manner.
Framing Views to Shape Garden Interaction
Vegetation is thoughtfully arranged to create natural frames that steer the gaze.
• One axis reaches outward, echoing the surrounding landscape.
• The cross axis, meanwhile, reinforces the garden as a visual extension of the interior—visible from various points within the house.
A Dual System of Vegetation and Mineral Elements
The garden’s composition is built upon two complementary systems:
- A plant-based structure
- A mineral-based structure
These systems are linked through transitional zones, where stone surfaces gently give way to low-maintenance greenery.
Over time, this layering fosters a unified visual and functional experience that expresses the integration of architecture and landscape. The design ensures seamless transitions between architecture and nature.
Multiple Experiences and Layered Interactions
The design invites more than visual appreciation. It encourages diverse ways of experiencing the space:
• Through movement between zones
• Or through framed views from inside the house
In both cases, it keeps the user grounded in a broader natural and regional context, while still offering a sense of intimacy and practical usability within the garden itself. Ultimately, the design showcases seamless transitions between architecture and nature.
