A home to be built amongst El Salvador’s abundant vegetation… To become part of nature it was decided to create a journey through the existing trees on site (lengthwise as well as height wise. Thus the house is lived on in three levels (under the tree canopies, at canopy level and above canopy level for the views). This approach resulted in a narrow design that reduced on site earthwork. The Salvadorean concept of extensive terraces was exploited so as to spend as much time as possible outdoors (or feel like it) except for intimate spaces and bathrooms.
The plastic composition was inspired by the work of spanish sculptor Oteiza on chained negative spaces. Concrete walls fold and become floors, defining the living area in between nature. To enjoy the views a wooden mezzanine level was suspended between the folds.
All exterior enclosures and skins are lightly insinuated and physically separated from the main structure. Rain was the only consideration upon creating this enclosures, so the house does indeed have a very close relationship with its environment.
