Design and Construction of Holiday Homes

Vila de Mouras 

Design and construction of holiday homes in a flood-prone riverside area in the province of A Coruña. Each unit includes two bedrooms, an open-plan kitchen, living-dining room, a small study, two bathrooms, and a terrace.

Seasonal fluctuations of the reservoir mean the house’s footprint becomes fully submerged during winter and spring. For this reason, we designed a structure with minimal contact with the water: two load-bearing screens carry the entire weight of the dwelling, transferred by robust glued-laminated timber beams that support the cantilevered base slab. To provide protection and privacy, these screens rise to enclose the sides of the house.

Access is via a footbridge that negotiates the slope down toward the reservoir, ensuring entry during flood months. All exterior wood is specified as acetylated timber for high durability and low or zero maintenance.

Inside, pine is used as the primary wood, maintaining a consistent tone with the exterior and the structure. Despite the extensive glazing designed to capture the exceptional river and forest setting, roller blinds ensure complete privacy without sacrificing daylight—even enhancing elevated views of the woodland. When the house is closed, the roof skylights come into their own.

Pergolas with retractable canopies and an outdoor hot tub are among the many features conceived to heighten the user’s experience of the surroundings.