House in Yanakacho

This private house stands out because of a floating perimeter of translucent polycarbonate that has the effect of connecting the interior to the surroundings

The enclosure of translucent polycarbonate defines the spatial character of the house, and the design unfolded in accordance with the functional needs of the occupants. The dining room and kitchen are on the open ground floor, surrounded by other spaces. These rooms are set at different heights and connect with one another gently, without partitions. Although the more private areas are upstairs or partly buried, they are connected to all the rest, in such a way that the members can feel each other’s presence.

Behind the enclosure, residents upstairs are hidden from view, but when they go down to ground level, they can choose to be seen, presenting themselves to the community. The outdoor curtain placed under the polycarbonate perimeter makes it possible to open and close up the space, as needed. In this way, the family can vary its involvement in public life from one moment to the next, as desired. The result is an open home, in continuous movement, that makes the occupants’ lives part of the town, and the town their garden.