Miguel and his family all live in a number of homes on the family’s property in Spain. He wanted to do something to preserve the cistern that the main house used to draw water from, but it had been a storage room for years. With the help of his architect nephew, Alejandro Valdivieso, they designed a remarkable structure that pays homage to the cistern’s past.
The bedroom and bathroom are tucked underground in the original concrete cistern, while above-the-ground, they created a pre-fab structure that curves in line with the old well and patio. While not tiny by any means, this re-use of existing space (instead of destroying the past) is a great step toward sustainability.
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Architect Designs Uncle’s Glass-Front Home
Images by Kirsten Dirksen
The pre-fab structure only took 5 days to build.
Images by Kirsten Dirksen
A wall of glass makes this a welcoming spot for Miguel’s many nearby relatives.
Images by Kirsten Dirksen
Here you get a glimpse of the original cistern.
Images by Kirsten Dirksen
VIDEO: Turns depleted water tank into curved, partially buried home
Highlights:
- Originally a cistern for the large family home
- Had been a storage room for 50+ years
- The cistern itself houses the bedroom and bathroom area
- Atop the cistern is the living space
- Pre-fab design
- Took 5 days to assemble
- Glass wall curves around old well
- Original patio kept as flooring
Learn more:
Related stories:
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- Paris Architect Turns Dingy Apartment into Gorgeous Minimalist Space
- When An Architect Does A Van Conversion
Our big thanks to James D. for sharing! 🙏
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Natalie C. McKee
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Wonderful! I love when the history of a structure is woven into a present usefulness. Will be a treasure and a work of art for the family for generations to come. Well done, and thank you for sharing with us. Brenda
This is STUNNING!
The Spanish from Spain is pleasing to hear
This is the most inspiring, incredible and fabulous house I have ever seen ! By far…