Centered around an open-air courtyard, the home brings landscape through the middle of the house, emphasizing an indoor/outdoor setting as the backdrop for both play and retreat.
As a contemporary take on a traditional hacienda planning pattern, the project’s inner courtyard serves as the intersection of public and private spaces. It is the heart of the home and traversed by all inhabitants as they move from bedrooms to living spaces. By framing the home’s organization around this outdoor space, landscape is not limited to the exteriors of the building. All public spaces are open to both the greater landscape and the interior court, which not only allows for light-filled living spaces and cross ventilation but challenges the perception of where the interior space begins and ends.
The heavy massing expression on the approach side of the home offers both privacy and protection from the harsh southern sun. As one moves through the house and courtyard, the massing expression begins to lighten and deteriorate into floating slabs held up by piloti columns. This structural levity creates a sense of openness and connection to the exterior private landscapes.
