By Chris Chaplow
Fran Silvestre, the visionary architect from Valencia, embodies a rare fusion of innovation and elegance in his architectural projects. Leading a team of 50 talented individuals under his eponymous firm, Silvestre has carved a distinguished niche in the global architectural landscape. With a portfolio spanning continents, from the vibrant beach side of Rio de Janeiro to the bustling metropolis of Beijing, Silvestre’s designs resonate with a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetic allure.
Renowned for his mastery in creating spaces that seamlessly integrate with their natural surroundings, Silvestre’s work has garnered prestigious accolades, cementing his status as a luminary in the field.
Following his exceptional contribution to The Seven project in Sotogrande, where he designed one of the illustrious Seven villas, Silvestre embarks on a new chapter with the design of Villa Noon, in The 15 – La Reserva.
Villa Noon
In the heart of Sotogrande, one of the most exclusive residential estates in Europe, Sotogrande S.A. and Fran Silvestre Arquitectos united with a singular vision: to conceive a masterpiece seamlessly woven into the natural surroundings.
The result of this collaboration is NOON, a unique residence that emerges organically from the landscape, fostering a profound sense of tranquility, privacy and security for its inhabitants.
The revolution of sustainable housing is consolidated in The Fifteen with the preservation of the most precious element: Water. Fran Silvestre goes further in the most distinguished area of Sotogrande, not only in terms of indigenous landscaping with low water impact, but with a combined system of water generation for domestic use, rainwater harvesting and reuse of grey water for irrigation.
In this interview, we delve into the story of Fran Silvestre, unravelling the inspirations and aspirations that fuel his boundless passion for architectural excellence.
You have competed projects all over the world from Rio de Janeiro in Brazil to Beijing in China. How do you feel about returning to a project closer to home in Sotogrande?
We love building in Spain, especially because we can attend site visits more regularly. Technology has helped us a lot as we have taken on projects further afield, but we always like to have the buildings close by too.
Your luxury villa projects are clearly influenced by nature, lots of space, inside-outside living. Can you explain this from an architectural point of view?
It is true that we draw much inspiration from the geometries of nature that we see all around us. Ultimately, originality comes from returning to the origin and the best designer is always nature. For us, spaciousness is the ultimate luxury and we aim to enhance both indoor and outdoor living spaces, something which is particularly important in a country like Spain.
Congratulations on your next project here in Sotogrande, Villa Noon. The design concept is interconnecting circles, clearly striking and unusual. Why this approach?
Well, the property is a tiered villa, built into the hillside, and for this reason we did not want it to have a strong impact on the surrounding landscape. We wanted to design a geometry that moved away from the surrounding architectures by being more connected to the world of nature and the natural environment. Indeed, this is where the property’s materiality and geometry are drawn from. The use of circular shapes also served another purpose, in that it enabled us to orientate the house towards the views that interest us. In this way, it acts as something of a pivot such that each piece can be oriented in the best direction.
What is more important for modern architecture: functionality or aesthetics?
In the studio, a foundational premise is the search for effective beauty. This means that each design must not only be aesthetically appealing and inspiring but also functional in practical terms. Striking the balance between beauty and efficiency is essential in our constructions.
What will be the main benefits of living in Villa Noon and how does it differ from other projects in Sotogrande?
Villa Noon stands out in Sotogrande for its focus on sustainability and efficient resource management, especially water. It offers advanced systems for water generation, collection and reuse, along with xeriscaping that utilizes native plants and permeable surfaces to improve water management and thermal insulation as we have discussed. These features, combined with an architectural design that promotes well-being and a connection with nature, make Villa Noon a residence that combines modern comfort with respect for the environment, setting it apart from other projects in the area.
On that point, Villa Noon is also the first to be committed to ‘Zero Consumption’. Can you explain this?
Yes, Villa Noon will be the first “Zero House”. A “Zero House” is a home that does not need to connect to conventional utility networks thanks to advanced technologies, such as an air conditioning system that uses condensation to obtain fresh water. This cutting-edge approach ensures efficient usage of natural resources, minimizing the environmental impact.
In landscape architecture, various strategies can be implemented, including planting native and drought-resistant plants, grouping vegetation according to their water needs, and applying mulch to regulate soil temperature and reduce evaporation. Additionally, efficient irrigation systems can be installed. Tanks can be used to collect rainwater and permeable surfaces and green roofs can be integrated.
This revolutionary design, which ensures maximum efficiency in its usage of natural resources and a minimal ecological footprint, meets the stringent criteria of a Passive House, standing out for its ability to operate completely self-sufficiently, independent of conventional utility networks thanks to its exceptional energy efficiency.
You mention an interest in the ‘geometry of fractals’. Can you explain this for the non-mathematician?
Certainly, talking about fractal geometry might sound quite technical it is actually a fascinating visual concept.
The term “fractal” was coined by Benoît Mandelbrot in 1975. He sought a word that did not yet exist to describe his theory which proposes that nature creates patterns from precise and reiterative geometry. This idea is based on the fact that a single pattern or element repeats recursively, contributing to the formation of an integral and coherent system. In nature, fractals appear in many places, such as in snowflakes and even in the way leaves are arranged around a stem. This concept has always deeply fascinated us.
We find a special resonance between fractals and the “generatrices” and other sculptures of Andreu Alfaro, who has been a constant source of inspiration for us. His work, which explores the repetition and variation of simple forms to create complex structures, aligns perfectly with the principles of fractals, emphasizing how repetition can give rise to beauty and complexity in both art and nature.
Your studio is based in Valencia and has now grown to a compliment of fifty staff. How has life changed for you compared to ten years ago?
It has been a process of constant learning and adaptation. This evolution has involved a greater degree of commitment and responsibility, but it has also brought considerable satisfaction. On a personal level, these changes have meant balancing the growth of the team while staying close to the creative core of each project, always striving to ensure that each project reflects the identity and values of the studio.
What is the most challenging aspect of your profession?
We believe that resistance to change is significant. This resistance affects not only our ideas but also ourselves and all individuals involved in the process. This is where dialogue becomes even more crucial. The projects we undertake are a constant back-and-forth journey where corrections to the direction of the project are always present. Being able to assimilate and incorporate these changes as just another tool in our work enables us to precisely meet the challenges we face and derive satisfaction from our work as architects.
What are the most important qualities an architect should have?
The essential qualities of an architect derive from an approach based on a commitment to respond technically to specific contexts and to seek lasting beauty in their work. This process involves the complete satisfaction of all participants, from clients to collaborators. It emphasizes continuity with the environment, the optimization of materials and the integration of innovative technologies that enhance the living experience. Precision at all phases of the project and a constant dialogue are crucial to ensure that each space faithfully reflects the identity of its users. Design excellence depends on a collaborative and dedicated team that works together to foster creativity and constant motivation.