made of rammed earth, azulpitanga's vv house fuses with araripe national forest in brazil

The Itamambuca Residence, a 4,844-square-foot concrete home in Brazil designed by São Paulo studio Arquitetura Gui Mattos, offers a unique indoor-outdoor living experience amidst a verdant rainforest near a beach. The home's orthogonal structure is set on a concrete slab slightly raised off the ground, a design choice that serves multiple functional and aesthetic purposes. This elevated foundation functions as a step leading to the main living areas on the lower level and enhances the residents' views of the surrounding trees and plants. Throughout the lower level, glazed, sliding walls can be fully opened, blurring the lines between the interior and the natural environment. These walls are strategically placed a short distance from the edge of the raised concrete floor, creating sheltered terrace decks. These outdoor spaces provide a perfect setting for the owners to relax, enjoy the garden views, or overlook the adjacent pool, fostering a deep connection with nature. Above the main living area, the roof structure is another concrete slab, but ingeniously designed as an inverted prism. Its tip points downwards from the center of the ceiling, causing the central point to slant towards the four corners. This architectural feature creates a sense of openness within the interiors and offers unobstructed sight lines towards the dense jungle surrounding the property. The roof is supported by eight robust concrete columns, which are angled towards the center of the prism. This angling not only provides structural stability but also maximizes the views from inside the home. Beneath this roof, the lower level houses an open-plan living lounge, dining area, and kitchen, all designed to embrace the expansive natural setting. A wooden box structure spans the width of the roof, housing the private quarters. This upper level accommodates the master bedroom, three additional smaller bedrooms, and two bathrooms. Access to this rooftop structure is provided by a staircase situated between two wooden volumes on the lower level. The front of this elevated box features fully glazed walls that open onto a deck, offering spectacular panoramic views of the lush, green jungle, further integrating the home with its natural surroundings. #ConcreteHomes #BrazilianArchitecture #IndoorOutdoorLiving #RainforestHome #ModernDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #NatureIntegration #UniqueRoofStructure

UNA Barbara Valentim has completed the Japi House, a residential project situated at the foothills of Serra do Japi in the São Paulo countryside, Brazil. This residence reinterprets traditional construction techniques by utilizing rammed earth, a method that involves compacting soil into a wooden mold (taipal), which was introduced to Brazil during the colonial era. The design, spearheaded by Fernanda Barbara and Fabio Valentim, integrates rammed earth with exposed concrete and a rooftop garden, creating a structure that is both energy-efficient and deeply connected to its natural environment. The most prominent architectural feature of the Japi House is its curving rammed earth wall. This wall not only defines the structure but also follows the contours of the plot, providing privacy from the adjacent street and neighboring properties. The internal layout of the house is organized into two primary sections. A central entrance leads into expansive, open-plan living areas that seamlessly transition to a garden and a swimming pool located at the rear of the property. A distinctive tall vertical tower emerges from the main volume, housing essential services such as bathrooms, water tanks, and technical equipment. Bioclimatic design principles are integral to the Japi House's construction and functionality. An internal courtyard is strategically incorporated to optimize natural ventilation and maximize daylight penetration throughout the interior spaces. Furthermore, deep overhangs and generously proportioned covered outdoor areas are designed to shield the interiors from excessive solar heat, contributing to a more comfortable indoor climate. The rooftop of the house serves a dual purpose: it acts as an additional layer of insulation, enhancing the building's thermal performance, and provides a platform for the installation of solar panels, further boosting the home's energy efficiency. This combination of traditional materials, modern design, and sustainable strategies aims to create a harmonious and environmentally conscious living space. #JapiHouse #UNABarbaraValentim #RammedEarth #SãoPauloArchitecture #SustainableDesign #BioclimaticArchitecture #ResidentialArchitecture #BrazilianArchitecture #RooftopGarden

The Dancing Light House, located in Paradise Valley, Arizona, is a striking architectural project designed by Kendle Design Collaborative. This residence deeply integrates with its desert environment, featuring geometric shapes that echo the surrounding mountains and using nature as a core influence for its aesthetic. Spanning 5,600 square feet across a single story, the home incorporates various outdoor living areas and is composed of distinct yet interconnected structures. A central design element of the Dancing Light House is its large, floating roof canopy. This sculptural feature provides protection from the elements while also serving as an aesthetic highlight, reflecting both the local geology and the distinctive monsoon cloud formations of the region. The underside of the canopy is lined with wood boards that appear to glow under the desert sun, creating a dynamic visual effect. The design team meticulously concealed lighting and mechanical systems to ensure that the focus remained on the canopy's form and natural materials. Internally, the canopy begins low in the living spaces and gradually ascends, drawing attention to the 180-degree views of Camelback Mountain. Beyond its architectural form, the house draws significant inspiration from natural light, which filters into the interiors through thoughtfully designed crevices. The internal layout is arranged around a central outdoor atrium, facilitating natural ventilation and allowing warm daylight to permeate the living spaces. The material palette emphasizes a connection to nature, with exposed rammed earth walls and cast-in-situ concrete used throughout the interior. These materials provide a rustic texture that is complemented by the integration of metal, glass, and steel, which introduce an industrial touch. The kitchen area maintains a warm, neutral color scheme that harmonizes with the desert surroundings. Bedrooms are equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows to maximize sunlight and views. Bathrooms also feature expansive windows, framing breathtaking mountain vistas. A serene corner reading nook offers a tranquil space for relaxation. The presence of a swimming pool outside creates dynamic light reflections on the interior wall planes, altering the ambiance of the living areas throughout the day. The project involved collaborations with Desert Star Construction for building, PH Structural for structural engineering, Gookin Engineers for civil engineering, GBtwo Landscape Architecture, Inc. for landscape design, Creative Designs in Lighting for lighting, David Michael Miller for interior design, and Bulthaup for cabinetry design, with Wood Design Studios handling cabinets and doors. Photography was provided by Alexander Vertikoff. #DesertArchitecture #RammedEarthHome #FloatingRoof #KendleDesignCollaborative #ParadiseValley #ArizonaHomes #SustainableDesign #NaturalLightIntegration #ModernDesertHome

Vão House, designed by FB+MP Architects in Barbalha, Ceará, Brazil, addresses the challenge of strategic spatial integration on a confined plot. The name 'Vão,' meaning 'gap' or 'void,' reflects the architectural concept of creating open spaces and seamless connections within a compact footprint. The design is characterized by a purist volumetric approach, where blocks and structure maintain a precise relationship. This aesthetic is defined by the use of exposed materials, primarily red bricks and concrete blocks, complemented by the gray tones of beams and pillars, contributing to a sense of substantiality and durability. The architectural language deliberately navigates between the objective lines of brutalism and industrialism, offering a robust and unadorned appearance. The ground floor of Vão House is designed as an expansive open area dedicated to social functions, fostering a sense of spaciousness and connectivity. This main social zone is augmented by three enclosed annex blocks, which serve specific utilitarian purposes: a garage, an office, and a service area. A key design principle is the seamless integration of internal spaces with the exterior greenery. Despite this emphasis on connection to nature, the architects prioritized visual privacy. This was achieved through the careful design of closed facades that face the exterior, strategically incorporating openings that allow for essential ventilation and natural light without compromising seclusion. This approach creates a harmonious balance between openness and privacy, ensuring a comfortable living environment. In contrast to the communal ground floor, the private sector of Vão House is located exclusively on the upper floor. This level is dedicated entirely to residential accommodations, comprising three suites. This clear separation of public and private functions within the vertical layout optimizes both social interaction and personal retreat. The layout ensures that inhabitants can enjoy communal activities on the ground floor while having private, secluded spaces upstairs. The materials chosen, including the distinctive red bricks and concrete blocks, are integral to the house's overall industrial style, giving it a modern yet grounded character. The design’s purist aesthetic is consistently applied, highlighting the concise relationship between the various architectural blocks and the underlying structural elements. This commitment to clarity in form and material expression results in a home that is both functional and aesthetically strong. The strategic placement of openings in the seemingly closed external walls is a testament to the thoughtful consideration of light and airflow, enhancing the interior comfort and reducing reliance on artificial systems. The Vão House stands as an example of how thoughtful architectural design can create a spacious, private, and aesthetically coherent living environment even on a constrained site, blending brutalist and industrial influences with practical residential needs. The careful balance between exposed materials, spatial arrangement, and attention to environmental factors defines this unique Brazilian residence. #VaoHouse #FBMPArchitects #BrazilianArchitecture #BrickArchitecture #ConcreteArchitecture #ResidentialDesign #Brutalism #IndustrialStyle #SpatialIntegration

Victor B. Ortiz Architecture unveils the design for the Cacao Residence, a new dwelling situated on the northern coast of Brazil within the exclusive Txai Resort in Itacare. The project integrates European design principles with traditional Brazilian craftsmanship and natural materials to create a tropical hideaway. The design is specifically tailored to the client's vision, combining simplicity and elegance with the rich tones and textures of the tropical environment. The residence is conceptually organized around a native Cacao tree, reflecting a deep connection to the local ecosystem. Spanning two levels, the lower floor houses the main living areas and a swimming pool, while the upper level is dedicated to private spaces. This upper floor includes two bedroom suites, a master bedroom, and a gym and office area. The main entrance, located on the upper level, is illuminated by a wooden pergola skylight that floods the space with natural light. The guest suite is strategically placed on the lower level to ensure maximum privacy and to take advantage of the expansive views. The living and dining areas on the lower level are designed for seamless integration with the outdoors. Large sliding doors open directly onto an outdoor terrace, effectively extending the interior living space to meet the adjacent swimming pool. This architectural choice blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor environments, enhancing the tropical living experience. A key design element of the Cacao Residence is its thoughtful placement of numerous openings and windows. These features are meticulously positioned to frame specific, curated views of the surrounding natural landscape, establishing a continuous visual dialogue with the coastal environment. The material palette complements this openness, characterized by warm tones that enhance the natural feel of the residence. The walls and ceilings are finished with an off-white lime wash paint, providing a soft backdrop, while the interior and exterior flooring are unified with a light gray micro-cement, creating a cohesive flow throughout the property. Natural wood accents are used prominently in the windows, doors, the pergola skylight, casework, and furniture, adding warmth and texture. The dwelling's front facade and outdoor kitchen are clad in rammed earth, a choice that not only celebrates locally sourced materials but also highlights traditional construction techniques. This use of rammed earth contributes to the home's aesthetic, which balances rustic and monolithic elements with clean, curved lines and elegant metal fixtures. The overarching goal of the design is to provide a comfortable and fully-equipped home capable of hosting multiple guests, offering urban amenities within a tropical setting, and deeply prioritizing the outdoor experience and connection to nature. #Architecture #ResidentialArchitecture #BrazilianArchitecture #RammedEarth #CoastalDesign #SustainableDesign #TropicalArchitecture #LuxuryHomes #VictorOrtiz

PPAA, a Mexico City-based architectural studio, has completed a guesthouse project for the Danish homeware brand Vipp in Todos Santos, a town located on Mexico's Baja California peninsula. The project marks Vipp's expansion into the hospitality sector. The design emphasizes a harmonious integration with the desert landscape, utilizing pale rammed-earth for both its aesthetic qualities and thermal efficiency. The guesthouse's architecture aims to convey a sense of longevity, appearing as if it has always been an integral part of its environment and is designed to evolve gracefully over time. The structural composition of the guesthouse consists of three distinct square volumes: a primary residence and two guest accommodations. These volumes are strategically arranged around a central courtyard, positioned at each corner and staggered to conform to the natural, gentle slope of the site. This careful placement ensures that each space maintains a degree of privacy while remaining connected to the broader landscape. The design creates a balance between providing shelter from the desert climate and embracing natural elements like ventilation, light, and scenic views. Interior spaces are characterized by their openness, extending onto expansive, stepped terraces. Semi-external living and dining areas are thoughtfully protected by the robust rammed-earth walls. The guest bedrooms feature sliding screens made from the woven branches of the Palo de Arco tree, allowing them to open directly onto the central courtyard. This material choice further enhances the natural integration of the structure. Each of the three volumes is topped with an additional terrace, shaded by fabric canopies supported by metal frames. The largest of these rooftop terraces incorporates a circular swimming pool, which is envisioned as a prime viewing platform for contemplation. From this vantage point, the surrounding landscape, encompassing the desert, ocean, and sky, unfolds in a manner that is both vast and intimate. The material palette primarily features the pale-coloured rammed-earth walls, left exposed throughout the structure, complemented by local stone and wood. The guesthouse is furnished with pieces specifically created by Vipp, further enhancing its bespoke character. PPAA, established in 2018, has a portfolio that includes a mass-timber office building in Querétaro, Mexico, and a concrete villa overlooking Lake Zurich in Switzerland, showcasing their diverse architectural capabilities. The photography for the Todos Santos guesthouse project was undertaken by Anders Hviid. #PPAA #RammedEarth #Guesthouse #MexicanArchitecture #SustainableDesign #Vipp #CoastalArchitecture #DesertArchitecture #Terraces

The Desert Wash home, a 6,700-square-foot modern residence in Paradise Valley, Arizona, was designed by architect Brent Kendle of Kendle Design Collaborative for clients Keith and Becky. The initial challenge for the design was a desert wash that bisected the building site, which the owners initially viewed as a hindrance. However, Kendle embraced this natural feature, transforming it into a central element of the home’s design and ethos. The architect's vision was to create a contemporary residence with minimal site impact, integrating the structure harmoniously into its desert surroundings. The home's design is divided into three distinct parts. The southern section houses the entrance, a guest suite, and an office. This compact volume is connected to the main body of the house, situated to the north, by an enclosed bridge. This bridge is elevated above the desert wash, allowing periodic floodwaters and local wildlife to pass underneath undisturbed. This innovative structural solution not only preserves the natural flow of the wash but also provides unique views and experiences from within the home, making the natural landscape an intrinsic part of daily life. To ensure the house blended seamlessly with its environment, Brent Kendle utilized a material palette and design elements that echoed the desert landscape. Rammed earth walls, constructed from soil excavated directly from the site, are a prominent feature, providing a direct physical connection to the land. This choice of material contributes to the home's eco-friendly credentials and offers natural insulation properties. A neutral color palette further enhances the integration, making the structure feel as if it has emerged organically from the desert. Expansive glazing, including Fleetwood sliding pocket-doors, is used throughout the residence to blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living. This allows for continuous visual and physical access to the surrounding desert, fostering a deep connection with nature. Outdoor living rooms are strategically integrated into the design, extending the habitable space and providing shaded areas for relaxation and enjoyment of the natural surroundings. Douglas Fir soffits and integral color-synthetic stucco for exterior walls complement the rammed earth, creating a cohesive and visually appealing facade. From various points within the home, such as the open great room and the master suite, sweeping views of the desert wash and the broader landscape are framed. The master bedroom features a corner window specifically designed to capture these views, while a freestanding soaking tub in the master bath is strategically placed beneath another shaded corner window. The interior also features Verano-brushed 12x24 limestone flooring in the great room, which benefits from ample natural light. The kitchen boasts a three-inch Calcutta Prima slab on the range wall and backsplash, adding a touch of elegance to the natural material scheme. Keith, one of the homeowners, noted that the wash, rather than being an obstacle, has become a "freeway" for local wildlife and an endless source of entertainment and educational opportunities for their two young children. The design emphasizes site-sensitivity, respecting the natural topography by nestling into the earth while spanning over the ancient wash, thereby minimizing disruption and maximizing the symbiotic relationship between the built environment and the natural desert ecosystem. #EcoFriendlyHome #RammedEarthWalls #DesertArchitecture #SustainableDesign #ModernResidence #SiteSensitiveDesign #IndoorOutdoorLiving #ArizonaHomes #KendleDesignCollaborative

The Achioté project by Formafatal introduces the first rammed earth structures in Costa Rica, presenting a pair of minimalist villas available for rent in Playa Hermosa. These villas, named Jaspis and Nefrit, appear to float above a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, harmoniously integrated into a dense jungle environment. Dagmar Štěpánová of Formafatal led the design and construction, prioritizing sustainability and minimal environmental impact throughout the process. The conceptualization of the villas drew from the distinct energies of their respective locations. The Jaspis Villa, symbolizing jasper and bright aspects, embodies a yin energy, connecting with the sky and ocean, and features a light, sandy color palette. In contrast, the Nefrit Villa, representing jade and darker tones, aligns with a yang energy, establishing a connection to the earth and the surrounding jungle, characterized by a deep red-terracotta hue. Both villas boast cantilevered roofs that extend outward, mirroring the floor plans, to provide essential protection from the sun and various weather elements inherent to the tropical climate. A significant aspect of the villas' construction involved utilizing the very clay soil excavated from the site to create the rammed earth walls. This sustainable approach minimized the need for imported construction materials, contributing to the project's ecological footprint. Once the structures were complete, new tropical plants were integrated into the landscape, further enhancing the natural surroundings. The layered texture of the rammed earth walls is a prominent design feature, visually narrating the construction process. Each villa spans 90 square meters (approximately 969 square feet) and shares an identical size, layout, and orientation. Despite these similarities, their material choices and color schemes are distinct, reflecting their individual energetic inspirations. The central feature of each villa's interior is the bed, which can be enclosed by sliding curtains for privacy and mosquito protection, while frameless glass walls offer uninterrupted views of the natural landscape. An additional bed is available on the terrace for outdoor relaxation. Adjacent to each villa are built-in pools, designed to create an immersive jungle swimming experience. To execute the complex rammed earth construction, Formafatal collaborated with Brazilian specialist Daniel Mantovani of Terra Compacta, who provided training to local craftsmen. The interior spaces behind the beds house the kitchens and bathrooms, designed without doors to maintain an open and fluid connection within the living areas. Custom-made concrete elements, including bathroom sinks, shelves, kitchen counters, and bedside tables, are integral to the design, reflecting a cohesive material palette. The Nefrit Villa distinguishes itself with a darker, more introspective color scheme compared to its counterpart, despite their structural similarities. #AchioteProject #Formafatal #RammedEarth #CostaRicaArchitecture #SustainableDesign #TropicalVillas #EcoFriendlyHomes #JaspisVilla #NefritVilla

The Downey residence, a 3,200-square-foot rammed-earth home, is situated near the Rio Grande in Corrales, New Mexico. Designed by architect Efthimios Maniatis of Studio eM Design, the home integrates modern contemporary regionalism with sustainable building practices. The design draws inspiration from local adobe farmhouses and agricultural structures, while adhering to a minimalist aesthetic requested by one of the homeowners, Roger Downey. Central to the home's design are its rammed-earth walls, which contribute significantly to its eco-friendly features and thermal performance. These walls are constructed by compacting a mixture of dirt (90%), Portland cement (10%), and water (6-10%) into eight-inch "lifts" within wood forms. This construction method results in walls with subtly varied colors and textures that change throughout the day with the natural light, offering a unique aesthetic quality. The architect emphasizes the tactile nature of the material, noting its inviting texture that encourages touch. The rammed-earth construction provides excellent thermal mass, which helps regulate indoor temperatures naturally, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling. This inherent property of rammed earth is a cornerstone of the home's sustainable design, minimizing its environmental footprint. The integration of traditional regional materials and building techniques with modern architectural principles creates a dwelling that is both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsible. The home is a testament to the potential of sustainable design to blend seamlessly with regional aesthetics. By utilizing locally abundant materials and time-tested building methods, Studio eM Design has created a home that respects its natural surroundings while offering contemporary living spaces. The project showcases how a focus on material properties and local context can lead to innovative and energy-efficient architecture, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to residential development in the New Mexico landscape. #SustainableDesign #RammedEarth #NewMexicoArchitecture #EcoFriendlyHome #StudioEmDesign #ThermalMass #ModernRegionalism #GreenHomes #CorralesNM

The ‘Santerra House,’ designed and constructed by Parma Arquitectura, is located in El Porvenir, in the heart of Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico. This residence showcases an innovative blend of rammed earth, burnt wood, and concrete, chosen specifically to respond to the region's arid climate. The project emphasizes sustainability, particularly through its use of earth as a primary building material. Rammed earth was selected for its low water consumption during construction, especially significant given the local dry conditions. A substantial portion of the earth used was sourced directly from the site through excavation, further reducing environmental impact. Beyond its minimal water requirements, rammed earth offers benefits such as humidity regulation and high thermal inertia. To capitalize on these properties, Parma Arquitectura implemented 40 cm thick rammed earth walls in all west-facing rooms, strategically placed to mitigate the high sun exposure experienced in the afternoons. The resulting texture and color variations of these walls organically integrate the house with its surrounding arid landscape, creating a harmonious aesthetic. Complementing the rammed earth, sections of the ‘Santerra House’ facades are clad in burnt wood, a technique known as ‘shou sugi ban.’ This traditional Japanese method enhances the wood’s durability and resistance while producing a rich spectrum of black tones that shift with the sunlight and viewing angle. This material choice not only contributes to the house’s resilience but also adds a distinctive visual character. The interior design of the dwelling is characterized by its minimalist approach, with a focus on functionality and connection to the outdoors. A key feature is the outdoor terrace, which acts as a natural extension of the living room, designed for social gatherings, meals, and family activities. This south-facing terrace is strategically enveloped by the building, providing shelter from strong winds. A wooden pergola covers the terrace, allowing sunlight to penetrate during the cooler winter months while offering ample shade in the hot summer, optimizing comfort throughout the year. Primarily conceived as a weekend retreat, the ‘Santerra House’ incorporates practical security features for when it is unoccupied. These include robust shutters and a wrought iron gate, ensuring the property remains secure. The architectural choices reflect a deep understanding of the local climate and an commitment to sustainable building practices, resulting in a residence that is both functional and aesthetically integrated with its environment. #SanterraHouse #RammedEarth #BurntWood #SustainableArchitecture #MexicanArchitecture #ValleDeGuadalupe #ParmaArquitectura #ThermalRegulation #ShouSugiBan

In Arizona's San Rafael Valley, the architectural firm DUST has completed "Casa Caldera," an off-grid dwelling designed to harmonize with the unique historical and environmental context of the region. This area, located 15 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border, is characterized by its volcanic origins, which have resulted in mineral-rich land and a storied history influenced by various cultures and historical events. The design of Casa Caldera directly responds to these influences, emphasizing sustainability and integration with the landscape. The dwelling's construction material, scoria—a porous, lightweight red volcanic aggregate—is integral to its design and performance. This basaltic lava was mixed into a semi-fluid state and pressed into formwork, a technique similar to rammed earth construction, allowing the walls to be self-supporting. This choice of material not only provides excellent thermal insulation due to its 18-inch thickness but also ensures the structure visually blends into its volcanic surroundings. The 880-square-foot home's layout is informed by local architectural typologies, specifically the "zaguan," a central hallway or passage. This design choice addresses the clients' request for both outdoor living and sleeping zones, organizing the interior space efficiently. The house features a rectangular plan divided into three zones: living accommodations and sleeping quarters flank the central zaguan. Large folding metal doors at both ends of the zaguan allow the covered living space to open up to the surrounding landscape, promoting natural light and cross-ventilation. When closed, these partitions offer security and protection. This flexible design allows the central volume to serve multiple functions, from lounging and dining to an additional sleeping area. The zaguan functions as a transitional space, allowing occupants to engage with the natural environment, observe the passage of time, and experience the changing climatic conditions. Heating within the dwelling is provided solely by a wood-burning stove and a fireplace, maintaining the off-grid ethos. Cooling relies on the natural thermal mass of the thick scoria walls and passive airflow, which is managed through strategically placed external operable windows. These windows are intentionally small to minimize direct solar heat gain during the hot summer months, reflecting a careful consideration of solar orientation to optimize indoor comfort without reliance on active cooling systems. Casa Caldera is a testament to custom craftsmanship, with DUST undertaking the fabrication and installation of nearly all components, including the walls, windows, hardware, leather pulls, wood siding, millwork, casework, and framing. This comprehensive approach ensures a cohesive and deeply integrated design. For its utility needs, the dwelling is self-sufficient: an existing well provides water, and a small solar electrical system, situated away from the main house, supplies basic electrical power. Cooking, water heating, and refrigeration are powered by propane gas, further reducing the home’s environmental footprint and reliance on external infrastructure. Completed in December 2015, Casa Caldera represents a harmonious blend of traditional building methods, sustainable practices, and a deep respect for its unique desert environment. #OffGridLiving #SustainableArchitecture #VolcanicRock #ArizonaDesign #DUSTArchitects #CustomBuild #PassiveCooling #Zaguan #DesertArchitecture

Equipo de Arquitectura designed the 'Intermediate House' in Asunción, Paraguay, focusing on the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. The design emphasizes natural elements, utilizing compressed earth blocks and a vaulted roof to create an atmosphere that balances light and shadow, and blends natural with artificial components. This dwelling acts as an intermediary space, bridging the gap between various environmental and material contrasts. The architectural approach also integrates industrial methods with traditional craftsmanship. A key design principle is the structural support system, where the entire roof rests on floor-to-ceiling furniture. This furniture delineates the perimeter of the property while serving a dual function, supporting the roof and defining living areas. This innovative approach allows for spatial and functional flexibility, enabling inhabitants to reconfigure their living spaces according to their needs. This adaptability transforms residents into active participants in shaping their environment, promoting a fluid and responsive living experience. The concept of an 'intermediate space' is central to the design, drawing inspiration from local vernacular homes where transitional areas are favored for social interaction. The house blurs the boundaries between interior and exterior through the extensive use of uncooked earth, shaped into manually pressed bricks for walls, filters, and vaulted ceilings. These elements facilitate natural ventilation and dissolve the visual separation between the inside and outside. Located on a 190 sqm plot, the house features a mango tree at its center, dividing two distinct blocks that are visually connected, thus creating a spatial integration from the front filter wall to the back border wall. The constructed area spans 115 sqm, designed with filters, doors, and shutters to offer flexible transformations tailored to a local, subtropical climate. The construction methodology represents a fusion of industrial and artisanal techniques, born from the recognition and utilization of available resources. The compressed earth blocks are cut in the middle to form channels, which then act as formwork for the reinforced concrete vaults of the roof. This technique ensures a collaborative functionality between the earth blocks and the concrete, optimizing structural integrity. These design and materialization strategies, from raw material manufacturing to furniture mechanisms, aim to synthesize the design and construction processes, reflecting a continuous effort to innovate within architecture. Equipo de Arquitectura views the construction process as an intermediary step between the conceptual, ethereal world of ideas and their material manifestation. This iterative process, involving trial and error, bridges expectations and reality. The architects consider their work as building upon past advancements while contributing to future developments, acknowledging architecture as a continuous historical narrative. The design allows cross-ventilation and controlled natural sunlight to regulate internal temperatures, ensuring comfort in the subtropical climate. Rainwater from the roof is collected and directed to water the garden plants, promoting sustainability. Culturally, the 'quinchos' (intermediate spaces for social gatherings) inspired the filtered relationship with the outside, allowing the house to 'breathe.' Wooden sheets are used to integrate social spaces, fostering an atmosphere enriched by natural materials and vegetation, all while respecting the existing trees and plants on the terrain. #EquipoDeArquitectura #IntermediateHouse #ParaguayanArchitecture #CompressedEarthBlocks #VaultedRoof #SustainableDesign #NaturalVentilation #IndoorOutdoorLiving #Craftsmanship

The Park House, a project by Paulo Martins, involves the alteration and expansion of a deteriorated early 20th-century Art Nouveau building located on a tranquil street in Aveiro, overlooking the city’s park. The renovation prioritizes the preservation of the original facade, which features intricate plant, animal, and human motifs carved in limestone, recognizing its significant architectural and historical value. This commitment to heritage guided the selection of materials and the formal approach throughout the renovation process. The design strategy for the Park House extends the building towards the adjacent park, creating an impression that the new structure is an organic extension carved directly from the original facade. This expansion utilizes wood and stone cladding, establishing a visual and conceptual dialogue between the historical and contemporary elements of the building. The form of the new construction intentionally echoes the essence of the old facade, ensuring a harmonious integration of old and new. The house is constructed using cross-laminated timber (CLT) and is thoughtfully organized across four distinct floors. The basement level is dedicated to a garage and a workspace, specifically designed to foster introspection and reflection. The ground floor serves as the primary social hub, featuring spaces tailored for gathering and interaction, encouraging community and connection. The upper floors are allocated to four suites, providing private living quarters. Paulo Martins’ design team incorporated a terrace on the uppermost level, offering panoramic 360-degree views of Aveiro, thereby seamlessly integrating the residence into its urban and natural surroundings and allowing residents to engage with the cityscape and the park. This project represents a balanced approach to architectural design, where historic preservation meets modern expansion. The use of CLT signifies a contemporary construction method, while the material palette of wood and stone for the new additions respectfully complements the existing Art Nouveau elements. The careful consideration of the building's context, from its historical facade to its park-side location, informs every aspect of the design, creating a residential space that honors its past while embracing contemporary living. The Park House thus becomes a notable example of how architectural heritage can be thoughtfully renewed and adapted to modern requirements, maintaining its intrinsic character while gaining new functionality and aesthetic appeal. #ParkHouse #PauloMartins #AveiroArchitecture #ArtNouveau #Renovation #TimberCladding #CrossLaminatedTimber #ArchitecturalPreservation #ResidentialDesign

APS Concept Studio has undertaken the renovation of the "Villa of The Star," a residential resort situated within Vietnam's Dalat pine forest. This project aligns with the Mo Stay plan, focusing on three core principles: connectivity, locality, and sustainability. The architectural approach aims to seamlessly integrate the structure with its natural surroundings, fostering a harmonious relationship between human habitation and the forest landscape. The design prioritizes longevity and environmental suitability, utilizing a selection of locally sourced and sustainable materials. These include stone, pine wood, concrete, steel, and bricks, chosen for their durability and regional relevance. The villa's location on a low 'taluy' river bank necessitated specific construction measures to prevent environmental impact and mitigate risks such as landslides and rock displacement during heavy rainfall. To address this, stone steps were integrated into the design, forming a natural retaining wall that both preserves the landscape and protects the residence. The structural composition of the villa comprises three main volumetric blocks: two distinct units with pitched roofs and a central, lower connecting section that forms the ground floor. A solid ground mass, clad with intricate tangled stone, provides a stable base and supports the two upper, roofed components. These housing units are primarily constructed from natural pine wood, showcasing two distinct color variations that add visual depth to the interior spaces. Modified pine wood was specifically chosen for its enhanced properties, including resistance to moisture, mildew, and termites, as well as its heat resistance, stability, durability, and overall environmental friendliness. This material is extensively used for the ceiling, walls, and floors throughout the villa. The application of varying natural wood tones, ranging from light to dark, helps to delineate different areas and prevents a monotonous aesthetic. Strategic placement of large glass windows maximizes natural light penetration and offers expansive views of the surrounding forest, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor environments. In communal areas such as the living room and kitchen, grinding concrete floors are employed, serving to subtly differentiate public from private zones. Further enhancing the connection to the outdoors, large glass doors lead to expansive exterior spaces, facilitating a flexible, open-plan layout. This design ethos is central to the project, aiming to immerse residents in the natural beauty of the forest scenery while simultaneously ensuring their privacy and comfort. The collaboration involved a dedicated design team from APS Concept, including Hung Vo, Phan Thanh Dien, Duong Le, Trinh Phoi Phoi, Dao Van Hieu, Phu Le, and Hung Le, with specialized contributions from The Box for wood construction and Pandomo for floor finishing. The photography documenting the project was captured by Quang Tran. #ArchitecturalRenovation #SustainableArchitecture #WoodenVilla #DalatPineForest #VietnameseArchitecture #BiophilicDesign #LocalMaterials #ResortDesign #EnvironmentalIntegration

The 'House in the Stone,' or Casa en la Piedra, designed by architect Christian Schlatter, is situated on the western slopes of the Sierras Chicas in Córdoba, Argentina. This architectural project integrates sculpturally with its natural environment, establishing a dialogue between primitive living and modern design principles. The residence is deeply embedded within the mountain, revealing a profound connection between the interiors and the earth, as raw rock formations shape significant parts of the indoor spaces. This integration blurs the traditional boundaries between the built structure and the surrounding natural landscape. Schlatter's design emphasizes an interplay between rusticated stone and minimalist wood finishes. These material choices are deliberately employed to frame expansive, glassy views that extend toward the distant horizon, allowing the vast Argentine landscape to become an integral part of the living experience. The architect's approach prioritizes the natural environment, ensuring that the home is not merely placed on the land but rather emerges from it, reflecting a deep respect for the site's inherent characteristics. Natural light plays a crucial role in shaping the atmospheric qualities of the House in the Stone. Sunlight dynamically casts ever-changing shadows and illuminates the carefully selected materials throughout the day and across seasons. Complementing this natural illumination, curated artificial lighting is strategically integrated to enhance the spatial qualities, further accentuating the reclaimed woods and tactile textures present within the home. This thoughtful consideration of light contributes to an environment that is both visually engaging and emotionally resonant. Christian Schlatter's design philosophy centers on 'stimulating the senses and providing versatile spatial experiences.' To achieve this, the home features an adaptable open-floor plan, which facilitates a fluid transition between different areas. This layout effectively delineates distinct zones for social interaction and private activities, offering flexibility to its inhabitants. These living spaces are designed to be broadly open to the outdoors, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing unobstructed, panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape, ensuring a continuous visual connection with nature. The material palette primarily consists of wood and natural fibers, chosen by Schlatter to harmonize with the rugged texture of the exposed rock. Each component is meticulously selected to ensure a cohesive relationship between the architectural elements and the natural environment. This careful curation results in a project that is both timeless in its connection to nature and contemporary in its aesthetic execution. The 'House in the Stone' serves as an example of innovative design that profoundly respects and celebrates the rocky terrain, offering a tranquil sanctuary within the Cordoba landscape. The residence spans 260 square meters and was photographed by Gonzalo Viramonte, with Oscar Locicero responsible for the structure and ACS.A. as the construction company. #Architecture #ResidentialDesign #MinimalistArchitecture #StoneArchitecture #SustainableDesign #NaturalMaterials #CordobaArgentina #ChristianSchlatter #LandscapeIntegration

JVL Architects designed Casa del Este, a fully off-grid residence in Cabo del Este, Baja California Sur, Mexico, for a North American family. This dwelling integrates rammed earth, concrete, and oak to create a structure that is both durable and responsive to the arid climate and natural landscape of the region. The house serves as both a retreat and a permanent home, capable of accommodating up to twelve individuals across a main volume and an independent guest casita. The program of Casa del Este includes three en-suite bedrooms, various social areas, a shaded terrace, a pool and jacuzzi, dedicated outdoor cooking and dining spaces, and a three-car garage. The architectural layout prioritizes unobstructed sea views and provides essential protection from strong winds, while also ensuring that all areas are safe and easily accessible for children. Entry to the residence is marked by a blind wall, which ensures privacy and guides visitors along a gradual approach to the main entrance, defined by rammed-earth walls and a brick threshold. A central courtyard serves as the functional and aesthetic core of Casa del Este, drawing inspiration from traditional Mexican architectural principles. This courtyard is enveloped by a concrete pergola, which skillfully filters natural light and promotes efficient cross-ventilation, a crucial feature for maintaining comfort, especially during hurricane season. At the heart of the courtyard, a torote tree stands, surrounded by indigenous vegetation and an earthen floor, reinforcing the building's material authenticity and connection to its environment. From this central courtyard, a series of interconnected interior and exterior spaces extend seamlessly towards the expansive terrace, infinity pool, and the Pacific Ocean, situated approximately 40 meters away. The social areas of the house are directly linked to the outdoors, fostering a continuous visual and spatial flow from the interior to the coastal landscape. The bedrooms are strategically positioned to offer direct views of the sea while maintaining privacy, with two bedrooms located on each level. The guest casita is designed as a separate entity, featuring its own private courtyard enclosed by rammed-earth walls. The main terrace is a comprehensive outdoor living area, equipped with a barbecue, a bar, a firepit, a pool, and a jacuzzi. A concrete staircase, finished with polished cement and fine sand, provides a direct path from the house to the beach, completing the harmonious transition from the built environment to the natural shoreline. The material palette of Casa del Este intentionally employs rammed earth, exposed concrete, clay, marble, and oak, celebrating material honesty and structural clarity. The concrete surfaces exhibit visible formwork textures, creating a horizontal grain that complements the tactile quality of the earth walls. The interior design, overseen by Mariana Cabrera, maintains a consistent aesthetic through custom-made furniture, textiles, and finishes, all selected for their texture, durability, and material cohesion. Sustainability and self-sufficiency are foundational aspects of the project. Casa del Este operates entirely off-grid, powered by a robust solar energy system. Water is supplied by tankers and undergoes on-site treatment through a sophisticated three-tank filtration and storage system, which then provides water for both domestic use and irrigation. The landscaping incorporates native plant species, such as agave, ocotillo, torote, and cardón, chosen to minimize water consumption and seamlessly integrate the dwelling into its surrounding ecosystem. Structurally, the house is designed to preserve the visual continuity of its rammed-earth walls. Columns are discreetly integrated within the thickness of the walls wherever feasible, ensuring material consistency and avoiding visual interruptions. In the double-height social area, two 10.5-meter-long window axes provide extensive views of the courtyard and terrace, supported by subtly placed 50×50 cm columns that align with the architectural grid. The reinforcement structure was meticulously modeled in 3D to ensure precision and coherence between the design concept and the actual construction. Casa del Este exemplifies JVL Architects' commitment to site-specific design and expressive material usage, bridging traditional techniques with modern construction to foster a deep connection between architecture, landscape, and climate. #RammedEarthArchitecture #OffGridLiving #CoastalResidence #SustainableDesign #MexicanArchitecture #CourtyardHouse #JVLArchitects #BajaCaliforniaSur #ConcreteDesign