Casa Tres Patis: A Trio of Patios Redefines Modern Mediterranean Living

The modern home is often a study in efficiency, a sleek, self-contained box designed to keep the outside out. But what if a house could embrace the elements, blurring the lines between inside and out? What if it could be a series of interconnected moments rather than a single, monolithic structure? This is the fascinating question posed and answered by Casa Tres Patis (House of Three Patios), a breathtaking family home near Barcelona designed by the visionary minds at Twobo Arquitectura.

Situated in Albons, a stone’s throw from the ancient Greek city of Empúries, the location itself seems to have inspired a timeless design philosophy. Twobo Arquitectura, founded by Pablo and Alberto Twose alongside María Pancorbo, has crafted a 300-square-metre dwelling that feels deeply rooted in history while remaining strikingly contemporary. The genius of the design lies in its clever deconstruction of the traditional home. Instead of a single building, the living spaces are divided into three distinct steel and concrete-framed pavilions, each one a separate entity linked by a covered concrete walkway. This isn’t just an aesthetic choice; it’s a foundational one, with the architects calling the three external patios the “foundational element” of a Mediterranean dwelling.

The true magic of Casa Tres Patis unfolds in these three meticulously planned patios, each one a character in its own right, referencing different typologies of Mediterranean life. The journey begins at the entrance patio, a vibrant nod to the social buzz of town squares. Here, a central tree is surrounded by a pétanque court, creating an inviting space for family and friends to gather. This patio, overlooked by a spacious kitchen and dining area, sets the tone for a home built around community and connection. It’s a place where laughter echoes and stories are shared, much like the bustling plazas of old.

Moving through the home, you encounter the second patio, a serene and contemplative space that pays homage to the impluvium—the shallow rainwater pools found in ancient Roman homes. This modern interpretation features a shallow pool that acts as both a visual centrepiece and a source of passive cooling. The shimmering water reflects the Spanish sun, creating a tranquil atmosphere that is a world away from the social energy of the first patio. It’s a space for quiet reflection, a moment of calm in the middle of a busy home.

Finally, at the southern end of the site, lies the third and final patio, a sensory delight inspired by the herb gardens of monastic cloisters. This aromatic garden is strategically positioned next to an outdoor kitchen and dining area, making it a functional and fragrant extension of the home’s culinary heart. The scent of herbs fills the air as you prepare a meal, a subtle but powerful reminder of the deep connection between the land and the table.

What’s truly clever about Casa Tres Patis is the way its internal spaces are arranged to necessitate a journey through these external courtyards. The sheltered walkway acts as a spine, connecting the northern living volume to the central bedroom pavilion and the southern guest areas, garage, and workshop. This design ensures that you are constantly engaging with the outdoors, that the home’s rhythm is dictated by the passage of the sun and the gentle rustle of the trees.

The material palette is a masterclass in contrasts, with Twobo Arquitectura describing it as a “dialogue between the industrial and the handcrafted.” The steel-framed and concrete structures are softened by screens of hollow brickwork and areas of hand-applied lime plaster, creating a beautiful tension between raw strength and artisanal warmth. This theme continues inside, where exposed, white-painted steelwork and glossy concrete floors are balanced by the warmth of dark wood ceilings and custom-built storage.

Casa Tres Patis is more than just a house; it’s a narrative, a series of interconnected chapters that tell a story of modern Mediterranean living. It’s a bold statement that a home can be both a sanctuary and a social hub, a place of quiet reflection and vibrant connection. By looking to the past, Twobo Arquitectura has created a blueprint for the future of residential architecture, one patio at a time.

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