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Architects Directory 2009

 

H Arquitectes

Spain

BIOGRAPHY AND PRACTICE

H Arquitectes was established in 2000 in Barcelona, by four partners; David Lorente Ibanez (1972), Josep Ricart Ulldemolins (1973), Xavier Ros Majo (1972), and Roger Tudo Gali (1973). The office is committed to the active engagement of the client in the design solution and the exploration of social and environmental issues. The award winning practice works with low-tech architecture and prefers to adopt sustainable solutions as much as possible. Combining a simple and contemporary aesthetic, the practice's vision is led by a practical approach. "Common sense pervades our work", they explain.

THE HOUSE

Designed by H Arquitectes for the 2009 Directory, the House 910 will be built out of stacked wood fibre isolation blocks, well known for their thermal insulation qualities. In layout, the structure consists of a linear sequence of rooms of the same proportions, designed to work both as individual rooms, which can be shut off each other, but also as a single open plan interior. As a standard industrialised material, isolation blocks are both economic and efficient, and therefore ideal to use as a basic unit for construction.

THE FUTURE

The team already works a lot with simple passive systems and green methods of building, and they aim to explore and improve their techniques even further in the future. "We try to link space, use and structure", they say. H Arquitectes are also interested in vernacular architecture and the buildings, which became heritage of the popular architectural past, and also have a special interest in housing programs. Their current portfolio includes a number of private houses, larger housing schemes as well as offices spaces and community buildings.

www.harquitectes.com