Timber frame house in Cercedilla

Location: Cercedilla, Madrid

Status: In construction

Built Area of dweling: 255 m2

Year: 2026

The project is based on the transformation of a pre-existing construction, using the existing building as a starting point rather than replacing it entirely. Part of the original masonry walls is retained and integrated into the new proposal, establishing a direct continuity between the memory of the existing house and the new architectural intervention.

The new volume is conceived as a two-storey dwelling built with a lightweight timber-frame system. This construction strategy allows the house to be understood as a precise, efficient and low-impact extension of the existing structure. The use of timber also gives the project a warmer and lighter character, creating a clear contrast with the mineral presence of the original masonry walls.

From the outset, the house was designed so that the main structural elements could be prefabricated off-site. This approach helps to reduce construction time, improve execution control and minimise waste generated on site. It also allows the building process to be more efficient and less invasive, which is especially relevant in a residential plot located in the mountain landscape of Cercedilla.

The material strategy follows principles of bioconstruction and environmental responsibility. The envelope incorporates bio-based materials such as wood-fibre insulation, combined with lime-based finishes that improve breathability and indoor comfort. These solutions contribute to a healthier interior atmosphere while supporting the thermal performance and sustainability of the building.

The project also seeks to reuse materials already present on site. Stone recovered during the demolition process is incorporated into the landscaping of the plot, where it is used for exterior paving and other surrounding elements. In this way, the intervention reduces the need for new materials while preserving a physical link with the original construction.

Overall, the house combines the recovery of an existing structure with a new lightweight timber construction, creating a contemporary home that is efficient, breathable and closely connected to its garden and natural surroundings.

Credits:

Architectural design : Ricardo Pariente Villasur

Collaborators:  Daniel Muñoz

MEP design: Gaia

Structural design: GV408

General Contractor: Anboc

Timber contractor : Anboc