Casa Serra de Pina: Concrete and Neolith surfaces in dialogue with light

Casa Serra de Pina is defined by bold architectural lines, but its true character lies in the way the home interacts with natural light and its surroundings. Located in Paterna, this 340 m² residence designed by Mano de Santo is built around a clear architectural decision: a precast concrete system serves as both the structure and the building envelope, establishing the home's architectural framework from the outset.

Within this framework, courtyards and carefully positioned openings bring natural light into the home and create different connections between indoor and outdoor spaces. The result is a house that balances a strong architectural presence with interiors that gradually open toward the outdoor areas and garden.

“Concrete establishes a very clear architectural order from the beginning. From there, we worked with courtyards, natural light, and openings to connect the interior spaces with the outdoors while maintaining privacy.”

— Francesc de Paula
Arquitecto at Mano de Santo

Neolith is incorporated into Casa Serra de Pina in a variety of applications, from interior circulation areas to spaces designed for outdoor living. Its versatility allows the same material to be used across different areas of the home, each with its own functional requirements and conditions.

On the staircase, Neolith Cement complements the mineral character of the concrete, preserving a consistent color palette along one of the home's main interior circulation routes.

The same surface extends outdoors, where it is used for the barbecue countertop and the integrated bench in the outdoor shower. In both applications, Neolith Cement maintains a visual connection with the interior while serving two spaces designed for everyday use.

This ability to use the same surface in different settings was one of the reasons why the architectural studio selected Neolith.

“We wanted to maintain a material connection between the interior and exterior while meeting very different functional requirements. Neolith Cement allowed us to establish that continuity on the staircase and then carry it through to the outdoor elements.”

— Francesc de Paula
Arquitecto at Mano de Santo

In the powder room, Neolith Calacatta Roma is used for the sink, introducing a brighter aesthetic that contrasts with Neolith Cement. Its lighter tones broaden the home's color palette while fitting naturally into the overall design.

The residence also features Italian white marble in the bathroom vanity and dressing table in the primary bedroom's walk-in closet. Concrete, natural stone, and Neolith surfaces are incorporated throughout the home according to the needs and character of the individual spaces.

Neolith Cement establishes a direct visual relationship with the concrete that defines the home's structure, while Neolith Calacatta Roma introduces a different aesthetic in the powder room. Natural stone completes a curated selection of cladding elements that fits seamlessly into the overall architectural design.

Each area of the home presented different requirements. On the staircase, in wet areas, and across outdoor applications, the surfaces needed to withstand daily use while fitting naturally into the overall design.

For the architectural team, selecting the finishes meant finding the right balance between strength, durability, and aesthetic quality.

“For these applications, we were looking for materials that could perform well under everyday use and, particularly outdoors, minimize maintenance requirements over time.”

— Francesc de Paula
Arquitecto at Mano de Santo

Casa Serra de Pina is the result of a series of carefully considered architectural decisions. Concrete establishes the home's structure and spatial organization, while courtyards, openings, and other design elements shape its relationship with natural light and the outdoors.

Neolith is incorporated throughout the residence, responding to the specific needs of each space while strengthening the connection between indoor and outdoor living. The result is a home in which every design element supports both the architecture and the way spaces are experienced and lived in.