Next Saturday, October 26, 2024, a new edition of Open House Valencia will take place, an event that gives citizens the opportunity to discover emblematic spaces of Architecture and Design that are not usually open to the public..

This year, as in previous editions, we will be participating from Espai Alfaro, offering a unique tour of our studio. Visitors will be able to see the impressive Alfaro Hofmann Collection of industrial design, considered the most important private collection in Europe, as well as the legacy of the sculptor Andreu Alfaro and tour the facilities where the MArch in Architecture and Design programs are held. There will be a visit available at 10:00.

There will also be a second round of visits to NIU Campolivar, a project that consists of a full-scale catalogue of the different types and finishes of NIU houses. NIU was created with the aim of innovating construction systems to increase precision in the materialisation of architecture. You can sign up for either or both visits on the official OHV website. We look forward to seeing you there!

Our team is heading to London to present Villa Noon, the world’s first zero-energy villa, along with Cork Oak Mansion and La Reserva de Sotogrande. This pioneering residence redefines luxury and sustainability standards. An innovative project, Villa Noon requires no connection to conventional water and electricity networks thanks to its advanced self-sufficiency technologies, marking a milestone in eco-friendly construction and design.

The “Zero House” concept stands out for its ability to function without traditional service connections due to advanced technologies, such as a condensation air conditioning system for freshwater generation. This forward-thinking approach not only ensures efficient management of natural resources but also minimizes environmental impact.

For example, landscaping strategies include using native and drought-resistant plants, grouping vegetation based on water needs, and applying mulch to regulate soil temperature and reduce evaporation. Additionally, efficient irrigation systems, rainwater harvesting cisterns, permeable surfaces, and green roofs can all be implemented. This revolutionary design, which maximizes resource efficiency and minimizes ecological footprint, meets the strict Passive House standards, offering complete independence from conventional supply networks and exceptional energy efficiency.

Villa Noon, located in the exclusive La Reserva de Sotogrande, features cylindrical volumes that follow the natural slope of the terrain and a stone facade that harmonizes with the landscape, seamlessly integrating into its natural surroundings. The villa offers panoramic views of the reserve, the Sotogrande beach, the sea, and, on clear days, even the distant African coastline.

The Polytechnic University of Valencia held a major event on Neuroarchitecture on October 1, where the findings of an innovative neurophysiological study carried out on the industrialized homes that make up the NIU Houses showroom in Campolivar were presented. This event is the result of an in-depth analysis carried out in collaboration with NIU Houses, a project by Fran Silvestre Arquitectos, which has been awarded the Bronze Delta at the ADI-FAD thanks to its innovative construction system.

The study, developed by the UPV and funded by the Generalitat Valenciana, is a pioneer in Europe and focuses on scientifically measuring the psychological and neurophysiological effects of inhabitants in industrialized housing. Throughout the research, the impact of architectural design, construction precision and environmental factors on the well-being of users has been analyzed.

During the event, which took place at the same NIU Houses facilities where the study had been developed, the results of the study were presented, which explores the relationship between architecture and neuroscience, revealing how the built environment can influence behaviour and mental health. This analysis has had the collaboration of leading companies such as Actiu and Greenarea, as well as the architect and expert in Well certifications, Anna Ferrer. The event was a good occasion for professionals and academics interested in the convergence of architecture and neuroscience.

Behind the team led by the UPV and working on this project is Carmen Llinares, who is at the forefront of this type of research.

The production company Gallery has officially begun filming a new documentary about the Fran Silvestre Arquitectos studio, directed by Brazilian-Portuguese director Augusto Custódio. The production, provisionally titled “Fran Silvestre”, will offer a deep dive into the professional career of the Spanish architect, seeking to highlight his minimalist approach and the harmony between aesthetics and functionality in his designs.

The documentary, which is currently being filmed, will be completed in early 2025 and will feature testimonies from Fran Silvestre and his team, as well as professionals from the world of architecture such as Aires Mateus and Álvaro Siza, among others. Throughout the production, key projects from his studio will be explored, some completed and others in the process of construction. The aim is to show the attention to detail that the studio pursues in the different phases of work.

The premiere date is already confirmed for September 2025 on Amazon Prime, where viewers will be able to discover more about Fran Silvestre’s creative process, his influences and how he seeks to influence architectural modernity with his award-winning designs. In the meantime, Gallery has shared some exclusive sneak peeks from the shoot, including behind-the-scenes moments from the production and commentary from the Fran Silvestre Arquitectos team.