* Residential Architecture: Beranda House by Schmidt Arquitectos

Residential Architecture: Beranda House by Schmidt Arquitectos: “..facing the pacific ocean from a steep dune in beranda, chile, the ‘beranda house’ by local practice schmidt arquitectos takes advantage of the unique site conditions to create a large open home on the sea. due to the unstable soil conditions, the home is anchored in three concrete retaining walls that safely support the house while emerging above ground and creating a large shell wrapping the main program. the residence can be considered as a sequence through the site, starting from the road and ending at the water’s edge, where the circulation cuts and weaves down the slope through a variety of media, offering different spaces along the way. maintaining a low roof line, the user is first greeted by a natural stone masonry mass in the form of a wedge. the first set of stairs immerses the visitor into a solid wedge-shaped structure surrounded by local plants along the topography. crossing a glass wall threshold supported by natural wooden columns reveals a large continuous, double-height space where concrete, steel, wood, stone and glass come together in a lively mix, pointing attention to the western facade occupied by the blue waters. two triple-height atria bring natural light into all levels. rhythmic glulam beams are supported by a massive central reinforced girder. interior steps on a timber floor lead to a wood deck from the lower level containing all the bedrooms, ramping down to a last set of stairs embedded into the landscape finally reaching the shoreline..”  Extensive glazing, natural light, ocean views; interesting form, fenestration, materiality and interior volumes and details; exposed wood beams; steep site..

image: courtesy of schmidt arquitectos; article: Designboom

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* Residential Architecture: Casa LH by Di Vece Arquitectos + Asociados

Residential Architecture: Casa LH by Di Vece Arquitectos + Asociados: “..The architectonic concept for this residential project is to propose a composition that is achieved by the proper manipulation of “contrasts in balance”; an architecture that is generated as a response to the particularities of the site, the adequate solution for the programmatic family needs, but most important, inspired by the deep motivation for the search of the supreme wellbeing of its inhabitants. The supreme wellbeing of the inhabitant is achieved not only by the comfort derived from the adequate solution for users needs but also by achieving a composition that is subjugated by the search for balance and the adequate manipulation of contrast; contrast among the scales of the sequence of spaces that articulate around the central courtyard, contrast in the use of light and shadow that overlap within the space in order to maximize its relationship with the exterior and contextual settings, contrast in the use of the manmade and natural materials that are confronted with natural elements scattered around the interior spaces..Furthermore, the sense of equilibrium is notable at first glance by the external presence of the house by the “contrast of quantity” that is achieved by its volumetric composition. The exterior has been articulated as a solid volume where accidental insertions and protrusions are only a reflection of the programmatic needs for the interior. The mass predominates over the void only to make apparent that insertion of natural light and the search of views toward the natural settings and urban surroundings have to be maximized in order to attain maximum comfort for its inhabitants..This is architecture of light and shadow; it is a composition that makes the best out of the contrast generated by the clear and the dark, by the mass and void, by the inner view complemented by the external glance at the surroundings, this is an architecture that celebrates tension when generated between the elements of contrast..”  Extensive glazing, natural light; multiple balconies, decks, terraces; interesting form, interior volumes and details, and fenestration..

image: © Mito Covarrubias; article: Arthitectural

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* Residential Architecture: Seaside Residence by Stelle Lomont Rouhani Architects

Residential Architecture: Seaside Residence by Stelle Lomont Rouhani Architects: “..Stelle Lomont Rouhani Architects have completed a seaside residence in Southampton, New York, USA..An existing non-descript structure, perched above the crest of the dune between the ocean and bay, was thoroughly transformed. We utilized clearly defined volumes, simple, durable, yet elegant materials and details instilling a strong connection between the indoors and out..An infinity edge pool was placed between the house and bay, bridging the two bodies of water and screening the street. The public spaces were located on the upper floor, extending out onto a series of decks. A wooden cantilevered trellis extends through the house from ocean to bay. The lower floor is separated into guest and owner spaces. The master bath extends out onto a private, louvered deck, allowing ocean and bay breezes while maintaining privacy..Highly efficient mechanical and lighting systems, an extensive insulation package, high performance glass and sun shading reduce the structure’s overall footprint. Assemblies, materials and finishes were chosen for their simplicity, sustainability, and low maintenance, coexisting with the sea, sand and vegetation of the site. They include aluminum doors and windows, weathered cedar rain screen siding, matte plaster interior walls and plain sawn oak floors..”  Very nice site; extensive glazing, natural light, views; multiple decks; wood screening..

image: Matthew Carbone; article: Contemporist

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* Residential Architecture: Laguna Verde House I by Altamirano Armanet Arquitectos + Carlos Bisbal

Residential Architecture: Laguna Verde House I by Altamirano Armanet Arquitectos + Carlos Bisbal: “..The request for a second home is set in a rugged terrain on the coast, in Laguna Verde, Chile, and must hold a lifestyle completely different from the city. This is mainly based on the possibility to assemble a group in a permanent relation between the environment and the interior spaces..This is why the spaces are mainly placed in public and outdoor areas. The bedrooms are transformed into simple “roosts”: remote areas for the only purpose of achieving a good rest..The slope of the place was used to dispose 3 levels, each of them with different views and angles. The first level, of double height, contains the common areas and the kitchen. The second and the third level contain the roosts and bathrooms..All this is organized by an oversized grandstand-staircase, which runs through the place and is the main point of encounter. This main point of encounter is connected with all the outdoor terraces, which run around the perimeter of the house, creating various forms of access to both public spaces and the main terrace..”  Extensive glazing, natural light, views; clerestory windows; wood flooring, walls, ceilings; interesting interior volumes; indoor / outdoor sensibility..

See our post on another home by Altamirano Armanet Arquitectos: Residential Architecture: Laguna Verde House II by Altamirano Armanet Arquitectos.

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image: © Francisca Domínguez; article: “Laguna Verde House I / Altamirano Armanet Arquitectos + Carlos Bisbal” 27 Nov 2012. ArchDaily. <http://www.archdaily.com/298427&gt;