Small wooden studio tucked away in calm forest near Barcelona

Tasked with building a tiny studio in the hills outside Barcelona, architect Pablo Serrano Elorduy (of Dom Arquitectura) created an all-wooden shelter stunning in its simplicity, efficient thanks to smart design. The orientation takes advantage of the Spanish sun for heating: large windows open the Southside to winter sun; protective shading blocks direct summer sun. Serrano cut small windows into the Northside (even though the steep hillside blocks any views) so that temperature and pressure differences produce natural cross ventilation and cooling during summer months. Prefab construction assured minimal waste of building materials and more importantly, provided a continuous layer of insulation (natural biodegradable wood fiber with an extra breathable layer to minimize internal condensation). By eliminating thermal bridges, the home is up to 80% more efficient in climate control than a conventional build. The building’s timber was sourced from the Catala