Ceramic is a type of inorganic, non-metallic material that is made from clay and other naturally occurring minerals, which are fired at high temperatures to produce a hard, durable material. Ceramics have been used as a construction material for thousands of years and are still widely used today.
There are several types of ceramics that are commonly used in construction, including bricks, tiles, and refractory ceramics. Bricks are rectangular blocks made of clay or shale that are fired in a kiln at high temperatures. They are used to build walls, floors, and other structural elements. Tiles are thin, flat pieces of ceramic material that are used to finish surfaces, such as floors, walls, and countertops. Refractory ceramics are materials that are resistant to high temperatures and are used in applications such as furnace linings, fireplaces, and stove linings.
Ceramics are a popular construction material because they are strong, durable, and resistant to fire, weathering, and wear and tear. They are also aesthetically pleasing and can add character and warmth to a building. Ceramics are also low maintenance and require minimal upkeep. However, they can be brittle and may be prone to cracking if subjected to excessive stress.
Burke house
the kitchen
The existing kitchen is refurbished and expanded to form part of the living room. A central island articulates the space, which includes a work area, a bar and a dining table.
Bolaños house
the kitchen
The kitchen is separate from the living room and is open to the garden. The modular furniture is minimalist and made of dark natural wood and white lacquered doors.
Pedraza house
the kitchen and the courtyard
The timeless design of the kitchen is based on the warmth of the wood and the simplicity of the white surfaces. The furniture is modular and functional with large oak drawers.
Zain tower
the interior
The interior is a luminous and diaphanous space. The white ceiling and the polished concrete floor give a feeling of spaciousness.
Pedraza house
the kitchen
The kitchen is a generous space full of light. The continuity of the polished concrete pavement, the large windows and the distribution around an island make this room blend with the surrounding landscape.
fragmented house
the view from the porch
From the front porch of this modern home, covered by a cantilevered roof, the silhouette of the nearby village can be seen. The simple tempered glass balustrade protects the deck without obscuring the landscape, while the natural stone wall contrasts with the smooth finishes of the exterior.
Bolaños house
the living room
The heart of the house is the living room, lit by large windows and a skylight. The dark walls contrast with the ceiling and the white leather Barcelona armchairs designed by Mies van Der Rohe. The texture of the natural stone wall is highlighted by the zenithal light from the skylight.
finishes specification
Finishes specification involves detailing a list of all the materials in the final parts of the project. The file contains commercial products available in the market following technical, functional, aesthetic, and economic criteria ‒ price and maintenance costs.
fragmented house
the front porch
The first-floor bedroom forms a cantilever over the ground floor. This semi-covered space creates a porch in front of the dining room and kitchen which is raised above the garden level. The natural stone wall contrasts with the simple materials of the façade and the floor.
Pedraza house
the master bathroom
The rational and pure design of the bathroom is based on easy-to-clean surfaces, naturally textured materials and cosy indirect lighting.
fragmented house
the main entrance
From the main entrance, you can see the symbolic shape of the volume of the house, which resembles a series of overlapping boxes. A generous corridor leads to the main entrance hall, which is enclosed by a natural stone wall at the front.
fragmented house
the living room
The main entrance to the house is hidden behind a natural stone wall which provides privacy to the dining room. The living room overlooks the front garden through a large window that can be opened with sliding doors.
Bolaños house
the dining room
The dining room is a transition space to the living room in this open-plan flat. The space is illuminated by the skylight in the ceiling and the large windows facing the garden. The interior design combines neutral colours to create an elegant atmosphere where the texture of the stone wall stands out.
fragmented house
the dining room
The dining room is strategically placed between the living room and the kitchen, protected from view from the entrance by a free-standing wall. The dining room enjoys views of the garden through a glass door that leads out onto the porch.
Bolaños house
the entrance hall
The house is distributed around the kitchen and the garden. The sloping roof gives more height to the ceiling in the living room and descends towards the bedrooms. The entrance hall articulates the spaces for daytime use, from where you can also go out into the garden.
fragmented house
the front yard
The main façade of this contemporary style detached house has large windows and a cantilevered body overlooking the garden where the swimming pool and a gazebo are located. The ground floor has a porch in front of the dining room and kitchen.
fragmented house
the dressing room
On the first floor of the house is the master bedroom, a large space with bathroom, solarium and dressing room overlooking the front garden.