Patio House

February 25, 2021

Nomo Studio projected a house situated on a gently sloping site located in Coves Noves, a small urbanisation on the north-east coast of Minorca’s island, Spain.


The plot has great views over the Mediterranean Sea, but unfortunately has also a 10-storey hotel shooting up in the horizon; an old relic from times when landscape integration meant less. Because of this visual obstacle and since the neighbour’s house is only a few meters away from our plot, the architects decided to intentionally direct the views in specific directions. Thus, the house plays with solid and glazed walls that frame undisturbed views towards the sea, forest and garden while hiding the massive hotel construction and isolating itself from neighbours. The villa’s position on a hilltop gives it remarkable views, however it also exposes it to the strong wind from the north.



Sun orientation, conflicting views and wind protection were all dealt with through the introduction of an isotropic geometry: a pentagon. The house was rotated so all rooms could enjoy clear sea outlooks avoiding the hotel. A square was removed from the core of the pentagon to let more daylight into the house and create interesting visual connections. This void became a south-oriented patio protected from the strong northern wind. Three of its sides are built up by large sliding glass doors that connect both visually and physically the opposite zones of the garden making it possible to gaze at the sea through the ground floor. The fourth wall of the patio is removed forming a north-south axis of outdoor interconnected spaces: terrace - dining - patio - swimming-pool area. Two sliding windows inclosing the indoor/outdoor dining space allow a flexible control of natural ventilation and wind protection. From autumn to spring the patio captures the heat of the sun resulting in a warm and inviting space, while in the summer the same place can be covered and turned into a large porch with a soft breeze from cross ventilation.



The facade finishings take strong references from local fisherman’s architecture with whitewashed walls and navy blue or deep green shutters. Nonetheless, the large scale of aluminium sliders in pastel turquoise colour give the composition a clear contemporary character. The deployé shutters block the sun during daytime and secure the house when it is closed for the season. The grainy plaster of the outer walls creates an interesting contrast with the inclined frames around the large windows, were a smooth treatment enhances the sharp edges of its leaning roofs. The back side of the house has a completely different language where smaller squared windows, flush with the outer facade, remind of a more domestic scale.



Highly insulated walls and a thought through natural cross ventilation scheme guarantee an energy-free functioning of the building almost all year around. The perforated sliding shutters regulate the amount of solar gains throughout the seasons and daytime hours, reducing drastically winter heating and summer cooling needs. Heating, cooling and warm water are generated by an energy-efficient heat exchanger and distributed AC units allow the different rooms to have independent temperatures.



Indoors, a combination of light colours and high ceilings with changing inclinations reflect and magnify the abundant daylight that comes through the generous windows. Large sliding glazings and continuous white marble floors dilute the limits between interior and exterior spaces. The use of the same local marble throughout the house, including the cladding of bathroom, kitchen walls and stairs, give the house a fresh look. Only few elements, such as the pool, the stair railing or the kitchen furniture, break the all white tones by introducing small turquoise details that link back to the shutters outside.



Photography  Adrià Goula
Architecture  Nomo Studio  www.nomostudio.eu

SHARE THIS

 Contribute

G&G _ Magazine is always looking for the creative talents of stylists, designers, photographers and writers from around the globe.

WRITE US

 Find us on

Latest News

By G&G _ Magazine • October 20, 2026
The 21st edition of Tallinn Design Festival , held from 28 September to 4 October 2026, offered a rich illustration of a design scene that extends far beyond the object, and beyond the walls of a single venue. Under the theme Future of Product Design , the festival explored how sustainability, adaptability, technological change and material awareness can inform the next generation of products and services.
Maison Margiela Expands Design and Architectural Vision with Launch of its Residences, Dubai
By G&G _ Magazine • October 12, 2026
Maison Margiela Expands Design and Architectural Vision with Launch of Maison Margiela Residences in Dubai
Zuchex 2026: from Turkish Craft to Global Design
By Zhanna Lysohorova • October 10, 2026
Zuchex 2026: from Turkish Craft to Global Design
By G&G _ Magazine • September 2, 2026
Located in the heart of Las Salesas, one of Madrid’s most sophisticated and creative districts, Only YOU Boutique Hotel Madrid embodies a refined vision of contemporary urban luxury.
By G&G _ Magazine • August 26, 2026
In the heart of Sofia, Juno Hotel blends contemporary design and natural materials into an intimate retreat where refined interiors meet a distinctly residential sense of comfort.
By G&G _ Magazine • August 24, 2026
In the vibrant Sukhumvit district, tender pink, graceful arches and refined minimalist design come together at Away Sukhumvit Bangkok , creating a playful yet sophisticated retreat for the modern traveler.
MORE

 Subscribe

Keep up to date with the latest trends!

Receive a dose of inspiration directly into your mailbox!

 Popular Posts

Maison Margiela Expands Design and Architectural Vision with Launch of its Residences, Dubai
By G&G _ Magazine • October 12, 2026
Maison Margiela Expands Design and Architectural Vision with Launch of Maison Margiela Residences in Dubai
Zuchex 2026: from Turkish Craft to Global Design
By Zhanna Lysohorova • October 10, 2026
Zuchex 2026: from Turkish Craft to Global Design
By G&G _ Magazine • September 19, 2026
Studio WYZE, the interior design firm with studios in London and Zurich, projected TATTU Dubai of Permanently Unique Group, located within the world’s tallest hotel Ciel Dubai Marina .