Mesura's Casa Balma Murada in Spain built with stone excavated from its own site
Casa Balma Murada, designed by the Barcelona-based firm Mesura, is situated on the periphery of a natural reserve in Spain. The residence utilizes stone from its foundation to create robust, self-supporting walls, embodying a closed-loop methodology that encourages geological recycling and integrates seamlessly with the earth. The layout is tailored to the uneven terrain, mirroring ancient agricultural terraces. Employing traditional masonry techniques addresses material irregularities, maintaining a connection with historic Mediterranean architecture. The substantial stone mass offers thermal inertia and shields against wind with its fragmented façade. The shift from the rugged outer shell to tranquil interiors features expansive openings that frame the surrounding wilderness. In contrast to Mesura's VA House, this project highlights a primal, monolithic aesthetic, reflecting the studio's site-first approach.
Key facts
- Casa Balma Murada is designed by Barcelona-based practice Mesura
- The residence is located on the edge of a rugged natural reserve in Spain
- Stone was extracted directly from the site's foundation to build the perimeter walls
- The floor plan follows the irregular geometry of the rocky topography
- Traditional masonry techniques were used to manage the raw material's irregularity
- The stone mass provides thermal inertia and breaks wind forces for climatic resilience
- The interior features a restrained Mediterranean language with large openings framing the landscape
- The project contrasts with Mesura's VA House in Barcelona, highlighting a site-first philosophy
Entities
Artists
- Mesura
Locations
- Barcelona
- Spain