Las Marias House

Project Description: Clients of this home requested a simple and contemporary solution that would preserve as much garden space as possible in addition to creating a strong connection between interior and exterior spaces. The home is designed so that its long elevation faces the optimum solar orientation. Deep balconies on the second floor and a large patio trellis on the ground floor have been carefully calibrated to ensure that all glazing remains shaded in the summer months while allowing direct sun during the winter. The long rectangular shape of the house splits the property in half lengthwise and accentuates the depth of the garden to exaggerate an elongation of the outdoor space. In addition to the use of highly insulated walls and performance glazing, the client is considering the installation of a roof garden and natural swimming pool to contribute to the overall sustainable performance of the house. Exposed concrete and a locally sourced stone were selected for the exterior finishes.