Articles by Andreas Luco

The district of Itaim, in São Paulo, is known for its skyscrapers and the agitation of its streets and avenues at night and daytime. It still reserves however some spaces of calmness and tranquility in the midst of such intensity. It’s exactly in one of these residential and green spaces, in a dead-end street in the hustle and bustle of Itaim, where the Único building is located – developed for the Meta Incorporadora and Souza Lima Constructor. The project takes into account the needs of a diverse group of dwellers, with a common wish nevertheless: to enjoy the commodities and liveliness of the neighborhood as well as the comfort of a home.

As the name alludes, this house adopted its nickname from its distinct roof profile. ‘Sierra’ meaning both ‘saw’ and ‘mountain range’ in Spanish. A fortunate coincidence as the house is located between Madrid’s north-westerly neighbourhoods of Mirasierra (look at mountain) and Montecarmelo (Mount Carmel). The shape of the roof is a result of internal spatial requirements. Due to height restrictions, the roof slopes could not peak in the middle. As it coincides with a bathroom below, we decided to invert the peak and use the space to hide the machinery and solar panels. Local planning rules are very prescriptive in terms of how much can be built, which has resulted in similar townhouse typologies in the immediate neighbourhood, with some minor material variances.

Affectionately dubbed the ‘urban-barnyard house’, the original house was an early 1900s, 2 bedroom Edwardian weatherboard cottage. Our clients came to us looking for more space, to accommodate the demands of their family now and into the future. A bit wary of vast expanses of ‘open plan’, they expressed a want for a balance of functional family spaces with more intimate zones with flexibility for future needs.

Elemental House is a completely self-sufficient retreat an hour north of Melbourne. High on the ridge-line of a steep hill the site has stunning views, but is also subject to the harshest of the Australian elements – sun, wind and the ever-present threat of bushfire. But rather than shy away, this bold little house confronts and embraces the elements, working with them to create a naturally comfortable home that immerse its occupants into the landscape.