PAR 21 House | DG Estudio | Valencia, Spain

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Modern minimalist white residential building with large glazed windows and black metal balcony structure surrounded by trees, demonstrating contemporary architecture and urban design.

Vertical Living in L’Orta Nord

Located in the quiet municipality of L’Orta Nord, on the outskirts of Valencia, the PAR 21 House, designed by DG Estudio, explores how architecture can thrive under limited conditions. On a compact corner plot bordering one of the district's main public squares—surrounded by pines and green spaces—the architects faced an obvious challenge: to create a home with a full program on a limited lot, without sacrificing light, spaciousness, or quality of space.

Their solution was to design upwards rather than outwards, arranging functions vertically across four distinct levels. This approach transforms the small plot into a sequence of luminous, interconnected volumes where the landscape and horizon of L’Orta Nord remain always in view.

Concept and Spatial Organization

Due to the limited land area, the architects designed the house as a thin four-level volume, with each floor serving its own function and offering unique views.

First and second floors: Private zones including garage, bedrooms, and workspaces. These levels maintain privacy from the street while receiving filtered light through internal courtyards and patios.
Second floor: The public center of the residential building—kitchen, dining area, and lounge—opens dramatically onto the square through a large panoramic window, which frames surrounding pines as living art.
Third floor: An open recreation zone, located on terraces of varying heights, culminating in a small rooftop pool, which emphasizes outdoor living and panoramic views of the church bell tower.

This vertical hierarchy allows the most public and experiential zones to occupy higher levels, where sun, greenery, and views intersect.

Stairs as an Architectural Element

The centerpiece of the project is a staircase, designed not as a utilitarian connection but as a sculptural element. Its light and elegant construction visually links the four levels, guiding residents from entrance to roof with a sense of continuity and rhythm. The play of light across its surfaces turns the staircase into a kinetic center—a constantly shifting vertical accent that defines the house's identity.

Light, Materials and Connection to Nature

DG Estudio's design philosophy is rooted in transparency and dialogue with the outside world. Abundant glazing, internal courtyards, and terraces blur the boundaries between interior and exterior, ensuring natural light penetrates throughout the house during the day.

Warm neutral materials—stone, wood, and white plaster—create a calm palette that enhances brightness while adding tactile depth. Minimalist detailing emphasizes proportions and flow, allowing light and shadow to animate each surface.

Compact Plot with Expanded Horizons

Despite urban constraints, the PAR 21 House achieves a remarkable sense of openness. Its vertical composition, smooth transitions between inside and outside, and careful orientation toward the square allow the house to breathe within an urban context.

DG Estudio’s intervention turns limitations into opportunities—demonstrating that in contemporary Mediterranean architecture, density and joy can coexist.