House 144º: A Steel-Clad, Timber-Framed Residence Elevated on Stilts in the Maresme Hills Near Barcelona

Nestled on a steep, wooded hillside in the Maresme region close to Barcelona, Spain, House 144º is a single-story, nearly zero-energy residence crafted for a retired couple. This project, a collaboration between Pineda & Monedero and Jaime Prous Architects, adopts a minimal-impact approach that safeguards existing trees and the natural landscape, minimizing excavation. The design features a broken line that creates a 144° angle, directing living areas toward scenic mountain vistas. One side is anchored to the ground, while the opposite cantilevers, supported by four cross-braced galvanized steel columns. The construction employs a dry assembly method with prefabricated timber panels and solid timber beams, enveloped in galvanized steel. Large, frameless openings in the facade enhance the house's integration with the surroundings. Inside, exposed timber creates organized spaces, with a living area oriented toward the view and a basement workshop illuminated from above. The elevated design emphasizes environmental harmony, structural clarity, and spatial orientation. The project was photographed by Bani del Rio and featured in designboom's DIY submissions, with editing by Christina Vergopoulou.