Month: December 2023

A needs program precedes every project. In certain typologies, specific activities are inherently linked to them. A meeting room in a corporate office, a collection in a museum, and bedrooms in a residence: the latter has a relatively well-defined basic needs program: bedrooms, living room, bathrooms, and kitchen. The size and arrangement of these elements in the space depend on various factors, but a house typically includes some combination of these essential components.

Behind a high brick wall, a remnant of previous stables, and through a secluded courtyard lies a staircase to a hidden rooftop garden. The garden oasis sits atop a dramatic curved concrete ceiling to the living areas below. The garden provides privacy and a delightful outlook for the main bedroom and ensuite, allowing the owners to sleep and bathe amidst the plants. Sam Crawford Architects (SCA) has transformed a free-standing double-fronted split-level 1980s terrace in urban Sydney and opened it up to the rear north-facing yard, embracing the sky and drawing light deep into the center of the home.

In the context of COVID, the client wants a space where they can return and renew their spirit, be close to nature, and do personal activities: planting trees, raising fish, raising birds. The project is hidden in the suburbs, away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. This is a wonderful setting for a relaxing getaway, surrounded by lush gardens and next to a peaceful pond.

This settlement is comprised of 16 misaligned and intertwined houses. Collectively, they face south, while the subtle differences in their orientation, height, and openings create unique views for each. It is nestled amidst lush green fields, with a pond on the west side and a creek to the south. To the northeast lies a village, and the site is encircled by small mountains. In terms of scale, each house in this settlement is close to local village houses, and their forms mimic the natural growth of the village. The building is painted white, echoing the colour of  the cows and the egrets, standing out while harmonizing with their natural surroundings. The dominant feature of the exterior walls is a coat of coarsely textured, deeply embossed white paint. As the sunlight shifts, the brightness and shadows on the walls undergo constant change, creating a play of various shades of white. This is a village hotel with 23 guest rooms and amenities, including a restaurant, a café, an artisan workshop, a bakery, a swimming pool, and meeting rooms. Additionally, the location offers convenient access to nearby streams, fields, and mountains.

The key challenges for this project lay in adapting the existing fabric with the contemporary addition towards the rear. Influenced by the Arts and Crafts Movement, the original design is an exemplar of Bungalow architecture, which was highly popular during the early 20th century. Wanting to pay homage to the heritage and integrity of the existing residence, the design is influenced by the components and principles of Bungalow Architecture, characterized by a strong horizontal link between house and land, the use of long lines, soft flowing arches, and balanced proportions, yet reimagined to reflect the challenges of contemporary living.

The NOAH House is located in Valle de Bravo, an area of ​​forest and mountains 2 hours away from Mexico City. This small town of rustic houses and rainy weather is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as boating on the lake, hiking in the surrounding forests, and paragliding, attracting many weekend visitors in search of adventures in this environment.