frame studio introduces a ‘floating glass box’ within a renovated residence in spain
concrete residence ‘Bodega Vespucci’ features elevated spaces
Situated in Puerto de Santa María, Spain, ‘The Bodega Vespucci’ by Frame studio is a renovated project of an old wine cellar to create a contemporary residence shaped by a concrete structure and minimalist elements. Within the structure, the architects distinctively create an elevated ‘glass box’ volume located in the center of the interior space that is held against concrete columns, and supported by a steel structure.
The architects at Frame studio intricately designed the bodega to be connected to an outdoor patio that acts as a big skylight, despite being located on the ground floor. The residence has three rooms, each one with its own bathroom. Two bedrooms are make up the ‘floating’ space and are linked to a rear corridor invisible from the main space. The entryway of the glass space is accessed via a concrete staircase, which consists of rectangular blocks that are cantilevered against the side walls, accentuating the apartment’s minimalist aesthetic.
‘glass box’ volume located in the center of the interior space
all images courtesy of Frame Studio
double-height expands reinforces the feeling of floating
To intensify the feeling of hanging from the glass box, the architects at Frame Studio increased the height of the interior space with a double-height of 5m, 16.4 ft. The ground floor contains an open kitchen that is located below the glass volume, as well as a living room with a direct access to the outside patio. Additionally, the residence is reinforced with a HVAC system to allow for continuous air renewal. Each new intervention within the bodega are permanent but give the impression of being floating. This element gives the apartment a feeling of lightness reinforced by the glass materiality, which contrasts with the massive and industrial aspect of the concrete.
front view of the interior space of the bodega vespucci featuring the floating ‘glass box’ and open kitchen space
reinforced ‘floating’ glass structure
minimal wooden dining table located under the glass box
double hight interior supported by concrete columns
minimal furniture highlights the raw materiality of the residence
outdoor patio with floor-to-ceiling glass windows overflows the apartment with natural light
discrete concrete steps lead to the glass box entrance
breathable area between the kitchen and the living space
concrete columns support the structure of the apartment and carry the glass intervention
project info:
name: Bodega Vespucci
designer: Jose Maria De La Cuadra – Frame Studio
location: Cadiz, Spain
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edited by: zaha mango | designboom