SHORT DESCRIPTION

Located in the Cantabrian town that gives it its name, Casa Loredo is part of the New Vernacular Architecture of the Cantabrian (NAVC) series, a design research initiative that reinterprets the region’s traditional building techniques through a contemporary lens. Set on an elongated plot overlooking the Cantabrian Sea, surrounded by pines and holm oaks, the house enjoys a privileged position with open views towards the northwest, where the bay of Santander appears in the distance. Conceived as a grand lookout, the project seeks a constant dialogue with the landscape through large glazed openings that dissolve the boundary between interior and exterior. Materiality plays a central role in defining the architectural language. Handcrafted limestone masonry shapes the façade, evoking the purity and authenticity of local tradition. Wood, used in ceilings and structural details, adds warmth and continuity, emphasizing the home’s orientation towards the sea. The structure alternates reinforced concrete shear walls with glass panels, creating a dynamic balance between solidity and transparency. The design responds to the region’s demanding climate, characterized by strong winds and heavy rain, through patios, porches, and overhangs that protect the interior and create sheltered transition spaces. The L-shaped floor plan organizes the house into two wings: the east–west wing contains the main living areas and master bedroom, while the north–south wing accommodates guest rooms. Casa Loredo embodies the coexistence of tradition and modernity. It proposes an architecture deeply rooted in place, respectful of its cultural and environmental context, while offering a contemporary response to the ways of living in northern Spain.