House in Sotogrande Boasts Skylights and Glazed Volumes

Fran Silvestre Arquitectos has designed a house in Sotogrande, Spain, characterised by its glass walls and expansive shady canopy.

Nestled in front of the Sotogrande golf course, the house was designed to minimise disruption to the existing natural environment. Created in 2024, architect Fran Silvestre focussed on incorporated elements that echo the natural surroundings, including the ample use of wood throughout the project.

According to Silvestre, the elements used in the making of the house were chosen for their ability to regulate temperature and adapt to the unique climate of Cadiz. The roof of the house, which projects over the ground floor and creates an expansive shaded area, protects it from the harsh afternoon sun in the summer and from the torrential rains that descend from the nearby Sierra de Grazalema, known as one of the rainiest spots on the Iberian Peninsula.

Where the canopy extends to create a space outside, Silvestre has created a shaded path that ends in a pool right next to the nearby golf course. The water in the pool is kept at the same level as the golf course, creating an “infinity effect” that reflects and accentuates the existing landscape.

“The roof’s careful design extends beyond mere shelter,” Silvestre said. “It offers elegant spatial fluidity while maintaining a harmony with nature.”

On the roof, Silvestre included an element called the “water mirror”, a thermal insulation system. The feature uses a layer of water to regulate the temperature of the home. The water absorbs heat during the day and releases it over the course of the night, reducing the need for additional heating or cooling mechanisms.

Inside, a wooden volume provides a connective element woven throughout the home. According to Silvestre, the wood helps keep interiors warm and provides an added measure of comfort and privacy in each room.

“The wood adds warmth and a touch of sophistication,” Silvestre said.

The house with a compact layout is located between two roads. It can be accessed from above via a path shaded by the canopy that ends in a glass wall. Silvestre used glazing throughout the project in order to further insulate the home and provide a heavier visual contrast with the wood.

Floors and ceilings are rendered in a natural colour to add to the warming feel. A number of them feature skylights that let in additional natural light and allow a view of the roof above. The roof is richly detailed, with varying planes and levels.

Inside, the house is split into a number of different volumes that make up different living spaces. According to Silvestre, the distinction between the volumes differentiates the spaces as well as adds an additional layer of privacy and compartmentalisation to the interior of the home.