This Man Built A Small House Under A Bridge In Spain Without Anyone Noticing

Sometimes, the abundance of rules and regulations in a society makes one feel like they are suffocating. It's because of this that people need to embrace their creative sides and free themselves from constrictions — at the very minimum, every now and again. Someone who has uniquely done this is Fernando Abellanas, a self-taught designer.

Underneath an anonymous bridge in Valencia, Spain, the designer built a novel shelter which includes shelving, seating, and even sleeping space. Abellanas was inspired to create the abode after he recollected upon experiences of childhood that seemed “magical.” He remembered building forts as a kid and hiding underneath the kitchen tablecloth and desired to recreate that sense of playfulness and independence in a location thousands of people pass by every day but give little attention to. Due to its purpose, the shelter is more of an art installation than a long-term abode.




The shelter makes use of the already existing beams under the bridge as rails(Credit: Jose Manuel Pedrajas)


A bench, a seat, and some shelving are installed underneath the bridge (Credit: Jose Manuel Pedrajas)

Abellanas' project is an example of parasitic architecture, as it makes use of existing structures such as the bridge’s beams and rails. New Atlas reports, “The idea is, a visitor walks up the banked area and enters the plywood-lined metal shelter, then uses an available hand crank to move it along the bridge’s underside to where a bench, seat, and some shelving are waiting.” Although no amenities are afforded, it's possible to build a bed on the floor.


The designer conceived the project to recapture the magic that kids experience when hiding under a tablecloth, or inside some other secret den (Credit: Jose Manuel Pedrajas)


Think of it not that much as a practical dwelling but more as an art installation (Credit: Jose Manuel Pedrajas)


As Abellanas said:

“My work as a designer consists [of] trying to implement the concerns relating to design, handicrafts, and architecture which I come across on a daily basis. I observe, research and develop projects, in a self-taught way, with the only purpose of satisfying my own personal motivation. With the experience, I acquired during years of work I collaborate with artists, interior designers and architects offering them design and manufacturing solutions. All this I do under the name of Lebrel.”

The shelter is part of a collection of spaces Abellanas has planned (Credit: Jose Manuel Pedrajas)

Refugiarse de la ciudad en la propia ciudad. from JoseMP on Vimeo.









References: Truth Theory, New Atlas