Terraced Platform House: A Captivating View Over Jávea Bay

A Design Narrating the Story of Challenging Terrain

This residential project is situated in the Mar Azul area of Jávea, Spain. The plot is characterized by a steep slope descending toward the southeast, facing the picturesque Portitxol Bay. The design embraced this challenge instead of attempting to level the ground. It transformed the rugged terrain into the core element that shaped the building’s aesthetic. The fundamental idea was simple: adapt to the site’s geometry. This involved elevating the main living areas including the terrace and swimming pool to the upper level for maximum advantage. This strategy secured the best possible views toward the Mediterranean Sea for the Terraced Platform House.

The Visitor’s Journey: From Above to the Heart of the Scenery

The visitor experience begins on the upper floor. This floor houses the main entrance. Access to the home is next to a double-height space. This area contains the vertical circulation core. Here, the sculptural staircase made of Black Marquina marble dominates the space. It serves as a pivotal visual point, visible from multiple angles. This upper level includes the entrance hall and three bedrooms. All are designed as viewing platforms opening directly onto the sea. This enhances the feeling of connection to the outside. Moving downward, the visitor traverses the tiered levels. They reach the daily living area below.

Floating Platforms Dissolving the Indoor-Outdoor Divide

The Terraced Platform House is conceived as a series of horizontal, sinuous slabs. These slabs slide over each other, meticulously following the natural slope of the land. The southeast facade is defined by this striking horizontality. It appears to float effortlessly against the backdrop of the sea. To enhance the connection with the surroundings, continuous terraces wrap the glass envelope on every floor. This minimizes the separation between the internal and external spaces. On the ground floor, the central platform widens into a generous terrace. It then narrows at the ends, maintaining harmony with the site’s boundaries. The sinuous pool visually merges with the horizon. This creates a profound sense of continuity with the sea.

Materials and Techniques Achieving Structural Balance

The structural system of this Terraced Platform House centers on balancing permanence and lightness.

• 1. Supporting Structure:
  • Dry Stone Walls: Used to anchor and retain the soil. They provide an element of permanence that roots the construction to the earth.
  • Slender Metal Pillars: Support the horizontal slabs. They lend a light, airy appearance to the structure.
• 2. Complementary Elements:
  • Black Marquina Marble: Used for the interior staircase. It adds texture and visual richness.
  • Glass: Provides a transparent shell. It enhances the integration of the scenery into the interior volumes.

Integrating Vegetation with Architecture

The green spaces go beyond simple landscaping. The architects designed the Terraced Platform House so that vegetation becomes an integral part of its form. A Mediterranean garden functions as a natural extension of the design. Cypress trees are deliberately planted. They occasionally pierce the openings in the horizontal slabs. This interplay between plant life and concrete reinforces the building’s horizontality. It connects it to the local Mediterranean environment. The total project size is 740 square meters. The site covers 1900 square meters, and the building rises 3 floors high.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

The CTZ2 House presents a refined model for addressing steep coastal terrain, successfully translating the slope into a distinctive architectural language. Visually, this is evident in the horizontal, sinuous platforms that float above the ground, supported by a deliberate harmony between the anchoring dry stone walls and the slender metal columns, creating an impression of lightness against the landscape’s permanence. Critically, the design approach excels at elevating key programmatic elements (living and swimming) to optimal viewing height. However, a potential challenge lies in balancing this extensive openness with the need for controlled direct solar exposure. The project represents an added value to the archive of contemporary Mediterranean architecture through its clear celebration of the natural vista.