Nestled on a ridgeline in the Sierra Norte foothills overlooking Oaxaca de Juarez, Nube House offers panoramic views of the valley stretching eastward. The house spans a 1,000 square meter site and comprises three separate casitas of varying heights, each designed to maximize the surrounding landscape.

Thoughtful Organization

The volumes of Nube House cascade down the 10-meter slope of the site, forming a loose courtyard space facing the valley. An open concrete stair, capped with a screened glass canopy, connects the two and three-story casitas. The layout, inspired by traditional regional houses, allows for independent movement and resilience during seismic activity.

Functional Design

The central casita houses a kitchen and dining area on the ground floor, with a studio and library above. Adjacent to it is the single-story casita, featuring a double-height living space. At the northern side of the site stands the three-story bedroom casita. A black tiled pool defines the edge of the central terrace, adding to the aesthetic appeal.

Sustainable Construction

Nube House employs a heavy steel frame anchored to concrete foundations tied to bedrock. Infill walls are made of locally produced adobe blocks or steel and glass assemblies. Large adobe expanses are internally reinforced with steel and concrete. Handcrafted steel windows, naturally finished nopo wood cabinetry, and custom doors contribute to the rustic charm of the interiors.

Climate-sensitive Features

Clay screens, stained black, provide shade, privacy, and a captivating view of the surroundings. The loose organization of the house facilitates cross ventilation, ensuring a comfortable interior temperature throughout the year without the need for heating or air conditioning. Rainwater harvested from the casita roofs is stored in a cistern beneath the living room for domestic use, with wastewater managed onsite through bio-digestors. Solar hot water heaters fulfill water heating requirements, enhancing the house’s sustainability.

A Sustainable Oasis

Nube House stands as a testament to sustainable architecture, seamlessly blending with its natural surroundings while minimizing its ecological footprint. Through thoughtful design and innovative solutions, it offers residents a tranquil retreat amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Sierra Norte foothills.

Situated near the base of a mountain, the Nong Ho 17 House offers breathtaking views of its scenic surroundings. The design of the house, stretching from north to south, allows every room to bask in the beauty of the landscape. The layout defines a private garden and swimming pool to the west, while a parking area and small garden occupy the east.

Thoughtful Architecture

The first floor features an open living space, with a pantry area on one end and a guest room on the other. Upstairs, the private quarters comprise two bedrooms connected by an open-air living area. Local materials play a pivotal role in the design, with floor and roof tiles crafted by nearby artisans and reclaimed teak sourced from an abandoned house.

Sustainable Design

Environmental considerations are paramount in the design of the Nong Ho 17 House. Cross ventilation in living areas reduces the need for air-conditioning, while extended gable roofs and bamboo louvers prevent excessive sunlight and rain infiltration. These design elements, coupled with the use of natural materials, create a harmonious environment that embraces cool breezes, natural light, and the surrounding nature.

Harmonizing with Nature

The project prioritizes simplicity and local adaptation, employing construction methods suited to the tropical climate of Chiang Mai. By integrating local materials and construction techniques, the Nong Ho 17 House embodies the spirit of Asian architecture while promoting sustainability. It serves as a testament to the notion that sustainable design can be both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally sensitive without relying on advanced technology.

Situated in the interior of São Paulo, the LP House enjoys a prime location facing a lush native forest. The design of the house prioritizes the integration of this breathtaking view into every space of the residence.

Architectural Composition

A play of volumes serves as the foundation for organizing the private and collective areas of the LP House. These volumes are connected by a central garden, creating a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. A third box, housing the upper bedrooms, offers access to a green roof on one side and panoramic forest views on the other.

Integration and Ventilation

Large openings, with fully retractable frames, facilitate natural ventilation and lighting, fostering a sense of integration between the pool, social area, and garden. Wooden louvers on the upper facade provide shade and privacy while maintaining optimal lighting and ventilation.

Comfort and Sustainability

Natural elements such as concrete pillars and freijó wood contribute to the comfort and coziness of the LP House, complementing its simple yet elegant architectural language. Sustainable features include rainwater reuse, photovoltaic panels for electricity generation, energy-efficient design, and sustainable landscaping.

A Sanctuary in the City

Surrounded by greenery, both from the forest and carefully landscaped surroundings, the LP House offers a tranquil escape from urban life. It serves as an urban refuge, providing residents with a close connection to nature amidst the bustling cityscape of São Paulo.

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of northern Catalonia, Límit House enjoys a stunning location amidst the gentle valleys and hills of the Pla de l’Estany and Gironès regions. Perched on the edge between hill and valley, this residence offers panoramic views of the surrounding pine trees and holm oaks.

Architectural Composition

The property’s steep slope, extending from the south entrance to the north end of the plot, inspired the architectural composition of Límit House. A series of parallel walls create visual connections between the north and south, blending seamlessly with the hill and valley. These walls not only provide privacy from neighboring houses but also shape the service spaces while integrating harmoniously into the landscape.

Design Philosophy

Constructed with earthy-colored concrete and vertically jointed formwork, the parallel walls echo the natural surroundings, creating a dialogue with the trees. The intersecting diagonal axis, influenced by the location’s orography, defines the facade’s shape and interior flow, enhancing the spatial experience.

Spatial Organization

The interior layout of Límit House is organized into five parallel modules, each aligned with the diagonal axis. From the gymnasium and amenities to the main bedroom and pool space, every area offers a unique spatial quality, seamlessly integrating indoor and outdoor living.

Sustainability at Its Core

Sustainability is a guiding principle in both the conception and construction of Límit House. Designed for low energy consumption and emissions, the house features an aerothermal system for air conditioning and an integrated air renewal system with heat recovery. Passive energy design strategies, such as the use of porches and cross vents, further enhance its environmental performance.

Conclusion

Límit House stands as a testament to architectural excellence and environmental stewardship, seamlessly blending contemporary design with the natural beauty of Catalonia’s landscape. From its thoughtful composition to its sustainable features, this residence embodies a deep respect for both the built environment and the surrounding nature.

Nestled in the countryside near Carovigno, Lamia Santolina stands as a modern interpretation of the traditional lamia typology found in Apulia, southern Italy. Commissioned by artists Cosimo Terlizzi and Damien Modolo, this creative workspace reflects their appreciation for local culture and nature.

Aesthetic and Environmental Harmony

While maintaining a traditional aesthetic, Lamia Santolina pioneers the use of natural and recyclable materials to address contemporary environmental concerns. Its simple shape and thoughtful design ensure a harmonious blend with the surrounding olive grove.

Functional Design for Art and Agriculture

The building’s design prioritizes functionality, with ample natural light and a constant internal temperature ideal for storing art, supplies, and agricultural produce. Large openings on the Eastern side maximize natural light while minimizing overheating, ensuring comfort even in the hot Apulian summers.

Innovative Construction Techniques

Constructed by Messapia Style, Lamia Santolina utilizes hemp and lime construction, known for its high thermal sealing capacity and eco-friendly properties. The integration of a photovoltaic system, rainwater recovery, and soil reuse further enhances its sustainability.

Blending Tradition and Modernity

The integration of traditional “incannucciato” cane roof technique with a modular iron structure showcases a harmonious blend of ancient craftsmanship and modern engineering. This approach ensures both structural integrity and thermal insulation for the roof.

Environmental Stewardship

Beyond its architectural innovations, Lamia Santolina embodies a commitment to environmental stewardship. From rainwater recovery to soil reuse, every aspect of the construction process prioritizes sustainability and minimizes ecological impact.

Conclusion

Lamia Santolina stands as a testament to the power of innovation in architecture, seamlessly blending tradition with modernity while championing environmental sustainability. As a living building in harmony with its surroundings, it serves as an inspiring example of responsible design and construction practices.

Nestled on the outskirts of Puerto Varas, near the Maullín River, renowned for its diverse ecosystem, the Keepex building stands as a testament to harmonizing corporate culture with the natural environment.

Fusion of Innovation and Nature

Keepex, known for its innovative technology in gas diffusion and water cycle management, envisioned a workspace that reflects its commitment to environmental stewardship. The collaboration with LAGAR Arquitectos led to the design of a Prototype Workshop and Offices that seamlessly blend with the surrounding landscape.

Integration with Nature

The building, concealed within a lush forest, respects the existing trees and riverbank, creating a tranquil environment for its occupants. An interior path winds through the forest, offering a serene journey from the entrance to the heart of the building.

Organic Spatial Design

Departing from traditional office layouts, the interior of the building features diverse spaces that encourage collaboration and creativity. Natural light floods the interior, fostering a connection with the changing rhythms of nature.

Sustainable Construction Practices

Built with laminated wood and insulated metal panels, the structure prioritizes sustainability and energy efficiency. Radiant concrete floors and carefully designed windows ensure thermal comfort and minimize environmental impact.

Environmental Responsibility

Located away from urban centers, the building minimizes its footprint on the delicate ecosystem of the Maullín River. Innovative sewage treatment systems and careful site selection mitigate potential environmental impact.

Resilience in Adverse Conditions

Designed to withstand the region’s harsh weather, including heavy rain and strong winds, the building’s orientation and architectural features optimize natural light and warmth while minimizing energy consumption.

Collaborative Design Process

The success of the project owes much to the collaborative effort between the architects and Keepex, with careful consideration given to the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the site.

By seamlessly blending innovation with environmental responsibility, the Keepex Corporate Building exemplifies a harmonious relationship between corporate culture and the natural world.

Nestled within a grove of carob trees atop gently sloping terrain, the Kaizen House by Rama Estudio strives to harmonize with its natural surroundings while leaving a minimal environmental footprint. Taking advantage of the natural shade provided by the existing trees, the house is carefully integrated into the landscape.

Minimalistic Design Approach

To minimize its impact on the carob trees and the forest environment, the house was designed with a narrow profile, spanning 7.50 meters in width and 24 meters in length. By maintaining a shallow depth, the structure occupies the widest plains of the forest, preserving the surrounding trees.

Embracing the Forest Environment

One of the prominent carob trees on the site was incorporated into the house’s design, serving as a focal point and connecting different spaces within the residence. The layout revolves around this tree, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living spaces.

Seamless Integration with Nature

Upon entering the house, occupants are greeted with a seamless transition from interior to exterior spaces, with views directed towards the surrounding forest. A small hall built around the carob tree divides the house into two wings, each offering direct access to the outdoors through sliding screens.

Functional and Flexible Living Spaces

The house features distinct wings, with one side dedicated to social areas connected to a deck for outdoor living, and the other side housing a multifunctional room adaptable to various needs. A central circulation axis facilitates movement between the wings while providing panoramic views of the forest.

Sustainable Construction Methods

Constructed primarily with laminated wood and supplemented with metal elements, the house embodies sustainable construction practices. The use of bahareque, a traditional building system comprising wooden frames and cane or bamboo covered with lime, cement, and earth, ensures thermal and acoustic insulation.

Environmentally Conscious Systems

The Kaizen House incorporates a septic tank system for water management and a gray water infiltration system, minimizing its environmental impact while maximizing sustainability. Additionally, materials sourced from the site, such as soil from excavations, further reduce the ecological footprint of the construction process.

By seamlessly blending modern design with sustainable practices and a deep respect for the natural environment, the Kaizen House exemplifies a harmonious coexistence between architecture and nature.

Located at the heart of Canada’s second-largest university, between the Irving K Barber Learning Centre and the Koerner Library, the Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre (IRSHDC) embodies architectural themes of memory and social discourse. It serves as a pivotal space for reconsidering the relationship between Indigenous communities and Canadian society, fostering dialogue among community members, scholars, and visitors.

Unification of Space and Purpose

Comprising two levels, the IRSHDC integrates existing basement space from Koerner Library with new construction above on the mid-level plaza. This unique design amalgamates Indigenous culture and history with the academic environment, creating a powerful symbol of recognition within the campus landscape.

Facilitating Informed Dialogue

Drawing upon community engagement and emergent technologies, the IRSHDC aims to facilitate informed dialogue and transparent information practices. It seeks to provide equitable access to records and information, particularly those related to traumatic events, while supporting agency and pluralistic narratives.

Symbolism and Architectural Elements

Architecturally, the building embodies the reconciliation process, marking ruptures and seeking healing. Designed to capture the Indigenous Spirit without representing any specific nation, it incorporates elements symbolic of Indigenous resilience and diversity.

• Copper Roof: Symbolizing the dignity of Coast Salish peoples.
• Charred Cedar Planks: Reflective of the scarring of residential school survivors and their resilience.
• Abundant Glazing: Offers a direct connection to nature, as requested by Musqueam residential school survivors.
• Glass Waterfall: Symbolizes the tears of survivors who endured traumatic experiences.
• Woven Cedar Wall: Represents the art of basket weaving, a cultural symbol.

Sustainability and Design

Built to LEED Gold standards, the IRSHDC employs sustainable features such as low velocity displacement ventilation, high-performance envelope, and cross-laminated timber (CLT) structures. It embraces innovation while respecting the natural environment and Indigenous heritage.

Revitalizing Campus Space

Beyond its architectural significance, the IRSHDC revitalizes campus space, providing a serene environment for reflection and dialogue. It instills confidence and optimism for the future of Indigenous identity within Canada’s academic institutions, fostering a prospective outlook on reconciliation and cultural recognition.

The House in Kaunas, designed by Architectural Bureau G.Natkevicius & Partners, stands as a monumental expression in the picturesque central part of Kaunas, within the old interwar villa district. With its two-story structure and basement, the house embodies the spirit of Kaunas modernism, evident in its design features such as circular windows set in concrete planes.

Integration with the Surrounding Landscape

Situated on a rectangular plot, the house is embedded in a descending relief, harmonizing with the natural slope of the terrain. Landscape solutions enrich the complex, including an openwork, vertically split concrete fence that adds a sense of scale to the street paving.

Impressive Architecture and Design

The building’s impressive concrete facade, softened by glass elements, showcases its natural beauty and industrial texture. Clean, original forms define the structure, which is divided into three floors. The basement houses a luxurious garage for eight cars, accessible via the first level.

Spatial Layout and Interior Design

Upon entering the building, the inner space unfolds, revealing a spacious hall, kitchen, dining, and living rooms on the ground floor. Glass showcases open onto the inner yard and terrace, creating a sense of levitation. The terrace features a unique design with rectangular concrete supports and circular openings that mimic the facade.

Luxurious Features and Sustainability

The second floor, cantilevered above the inner terrace, accommodates two luxurious bedrooms with separate bathrooms and walk-in closets. Exclusive vertical concrete slats shade the bedroom windows, adding depth and texture to the facade. Additionally, a solar power plant is integrated into the roof design, emphasizing the house’s commitment to sustainability.

The House in Ferraria project by Enter Arquitectura fully embraces rural aesthetics, situated amidst native forests and cultivation fields. Originally a traditional farm warehouse serving the agricultural trade of Herdade da Ferraria, the existing structure became the foundation for a family home.

Transformation into a Family Home

The creative process focused on reformulating the structure to meet the client’s needs while preserving its old barn character. The site was transformed into a family home, maintaining a sustained dialogue with its surrounding terrain and refining its typical features.

Major Changes and Adaptations

Significant modifications were made to the site to enhance its connection to the natural environment. The terrain was elevated to align the upper floor with the main entrance, providing a stronger connection to the surroundings and increased privacy for the bedrooms on the ground level.

Integration with the Natural Environment

The design takes advantage of the surrounding natural environment, offering forest views from the bedrooms floor and overlooking the agricultural legacy from the social floor and exterior deck. Wood dominates the materials palette, preserving the historical integrity of the old building while adding a contemporary touch.

Sustainable Solutions

In line with environmental considerations, the project incorporates eco-friendly solutions such as cork insulation and concealed solar panels to minimize the ecological footprint without compromising aesthetics. Contemporary materials are chosen for added comfort and energy efficiency, blending seamlessly with the building’s classic aesthetics.

Preserving Local Heritage with Modern Comfort

The House in Ferraria project successfully blends local heritage with modern comfort, creating an emblematic house within Herdade da Ferraria. It preserves the memory of its rural inheritance while offering all the amenities of contemporary living, demonstrating a harmonious balance between tradition and innovation.