Cortijo as Vacation Architecture
The Cortijo is a type of Spanish Vacation Architecture we can see many times in hilly or mountainous regions in the south of Spain. This article studies the Cortijo as Vacation Architecture.
This article is part of my architecture research, presented in a friendly way.
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History
Cortijos have a very introverted architecture. They are typically closed off from the surroundings while the spaces are arranged around a courtyard. The name “cortijo” comes from the Latin word cortihulum which means courtyard. Roman urban homes were mostly clustered, tightly packed. Larger ones had a courtyard that provided sheltered outdoor space and natural lighting for the indoor spaces.
Courtyards have been used for several centuries as a passive cooling strategy in Islamic architecture. Many times, the courtyard had a shallow pool that cooled the air which circulated through the surrounding indoor spaces.
Contemporary Examples
Nowadays, we usually see these types of houses isolated in the hills, a context in which the cooling effect is more important than the safety aspect. In vacation architecture, various adaptations of the cortijo can be observed. In some cases, one side may be removed in order to create a U-shaped building. On the other hand, in other cases, the corners are removed in order to create multiple entryways from the outside as well.
Cortijos are mostly low in height, having a single ground floor. More recent variants may also have an extra floor, however, if the building is too tall, the lower floors are compromised because of perpetual shade. Multi-level cortijos are mostly found in mountainous areas in which they act as a terraced structure, accessible from more than one side.
While at first glance, the cortijo is an introverted space, closed off from the surrounding environment, it can be considered a precursor to biophilic architecture. The negative space in the heart of the construction is just as important as the indoor spaces themselves. The courtyard is, thus, a hybrid space between interior and exterior.
Cortijo
- Shape: box with center removed, isolated or linked to others
- Spatial Typology: courtyard
- Spatial Organisation: centralized
- Functionality: multi-purpose housing, controlled access, safety
- Location: mainland Spain, Andalusia, mountainous regions
- Materials: plastered brick facade, wooden beams, small windows, pantile roof
If you’re confused about what some of these mean, please read the article on Spatial Typologies and Spatial Organisations.
Key Takeaways
- Water elements such as ponds, fountains or pools passively cool off the surrounding air.
- You can design the shape of a house in order for it to provide shade in specific areas during the day.
- Exterior windows are overrated provided you have a central biophilic element like a courtyard or garden.
- Pay attention to the cardinal points. There will be some areas that are always sunbathed while others are always in shadow. Plan your spaces and materials accordingly.
This article is part of a self-published book from The Vacation Architecture Series.
Lastly, if you’d like, you can order the book either as a collectible hardcover artbook or as an instant digital download.
Order the book here.
