Low-energy single-family house in Begues

Low-energy building

The project develops a two-storey single-family home in Begues that is conceived as an exercise in synthesis between sustainable construction, energy efficiency and domestic comfort. The volume is designed to be compact in order to optimise the ratio between the envelope surface area and the air-conditioned space, minimising heat loss and reducing energy demand to parameters close to those of nearly zero-energy buildings.

Construction and evelope system

The construction is carried out entirely using lightweight wooden load-bearing panels, prefabricated in a workshop and assembled on site. This system allows to shorten deadlines, guarantee construction precision and reduce construction waste. The horizontal structure is made of exposed laminated wood beams, which, in addition to their resistant role, provide tectonic identity and a warm atmosphere to the domestic space. The walls are finished with insulation layers that exceed standard requirements, guaranteeing thermal and acoustic comfort. The flat roof is designed as an active surface equipped with photovoltaic panels, which can generate most of the energy consumed by the home.

Bioclimatic strategies

The layout responds to bioclimatic criteria. The south-facing orientation, combined with the arrangement of overhangs and sunshades, ensures solar gains in winter and radiation control in summer. Cross ventilation is achieved through openings located on opposite façades, which allow the interior to be cooled naturally and continuously. The relationship between the openings and the opaque surface area has been studied to balance solar gain, thermal control and light contribution. These factors, together with the high inertia of the compact volume and the design of a highly airtight envelope, allows to reduce the energy load for air conditioning and maintain stable interior comfort throughout the year.

Spatial organisation

The layout of the interior spaces responds to a clear scheme that combines compactness and fluidity. The ground floor accommodates the common areas, which are directly connected to the garden, promoting an open relationship between the interior and exterior. A double-height living room introduces overhead light and becomes the gravitational centre of the home, visually and spatially connecting the two levels. The upper floor has the bedrooms and a study area, which was conceived as a key part of the project. Dedicated to a teacher who prioritises teleworking, the workroom opens onto the double-height space, reinforcing interaction with the common area of the house. An integrated longitudinal table emphasises the linearity of the workspace and, at the same time, acts as a continuous protective element against the void, ensuring safety without interrupting the transparency or visual dialogue between levels.

Domestic experience

Over and above energy efficiency and rational construction, the home offers a serene and luminous spatial experience. The warm texture of the wood interacts with the sober white walls, the large windows expand the relationship with the immediate surroundings, and the restrained proportions of the volume ensure its balanced integration into the urban context.