- Interior
- Architecture & development
Earlier, we wrote about Spanish design agency Mesura, which tries to pursue a sustainable way of building. This was no different for their recent project Casa Ter. The shape and materials of the family home were chosen in function of the natural surroundings, which had to be affected as little as possible.
Design studio Mesura prides itself on not having a single signature style. Because their projects are not designed according to a single style formula, they will never look or feel the same. However, their realisations are personal reflections of their clients' personalities and values. Their designs are created by listening to people, communities and environments and making them fit together seamlessly. What is important to the design agency is to realise each project in the most sustainable way possible. 
This was also the starting point for their project Casa Ter, which is located in Baix Empordà, in the Spanish region of Catalonia. In order to guarantee the most sustainable construction possible, it was important to touch the natural surroundings as little as possible. Thus, they used contemporary construction techniques, according to the local construction traditions of the region. For example, the walls are composed of Km0 materials, materials that can be found within one kilometre of the house. Mesura chose to mix concrete and stones from the local river Ter with ceramics, a material with a long cultural tradition in a neighbouring municipality. In this way, Casa Ter aims to create a personal sense of place, in close contact with all the elements that surround it.
Casa Ter aims to create a personal sense of place, in close contact with all the elements that surround it.
The house derives its form from the three views of the site: the sea, the hills and the fields. Thus, the house is composed of two volumes that create three different spaces. Each of these branches off into the surrounding landscapes. The form and materials of the project were also determined in such a way that the natural environment was touched as little as possible.
The access path to Casa Ter leads to an enclosed patio created by two volumes in an L-shape. One volume functions as a public area, the other houses a series of bedrooms and bathrooms. The second volume connects the kitchen with the public area. This meeting point is designed as a veranda, which is partly indoors and partly outdoors, since the space is equipped with large, sliding glass doors that can be closed or opened. On the second floor is the master bedroom with a large Catalan vault. As the bedroom is the most intimate space, only this room overlooks the entire surrounding landscape. 
With Casa Ter, Mesura created a polyvalent family home. It can be used in different ways, depending on the needs of the residents or the time of year. The house can be closed or just completely opened up. The residents can choose to keep nature at bay by closing the windows, or let it in.
Photography by Salva Lopez