Nestled within a rural landscape dominated by eucalyptus forests and scattered residences, PSB Arquitecto’s latest architectural creation is a thoughtful and deliberate response to its environment. This single-story dwelling, subtly camouflaged by the greenish-grey hue of its exterior, epitomizes a harmonious dialogue between built form and nature.
A Design Rooted in Context
The project’s location is defined by its unremarkable surroundings—an expanse of green punctuated by industrial warehouses, isolated homes, and a nearby school. However, PSB Arquitecto has masterfully transformed this seemingly characterless setting into a canvas for architectural innovation. The house’s rectangular form, stretched across a single level, embodies simplicity, yet is rich in spatial complexity, inviting the outside in and projecting the inside out through a series of strategically placed openings.
Interplay of Interior and Exterior Spaces
The architecture thrives on the constant interplay between interior and exterior, achieved through both lateral and vertical apertures. These openings, appearing sporadically throughout the structure, create moments where the inside of the home gently extends into the outdoors. Whether through a courtyard that invites sunlight into a secluded corner or a window that frames a view of the surrounding landscape, the boundaries between the built and natural environments are deliberately blurred.
Yet, this connection with nature is balanced with a need for privacy. The design ensures visual impermeability from the surrounding area, an essential consideration given the mixed-use nature of the locale. Large expanses of opaque walls punctuated by recessed courtyards offer both shelter and seclusion, while the selectively placed openings are carefully positioned to protect the occupants’ privacy without compromising their access to natural light.
A Thoughtful Integration with Nature
The choice of the building’s color—a subdued greenish-grey—serves as a subtle nod to the eucalyptus forests that define the area. This color was chosen not just for its aesthetic qualities, but also for its ability to integrate the dwelling into its natural surroundings, creating a sense of belonging within the landscape rather than imposing upon it.
Spatial Organization and Flow
The interior of the house is organized into three distinct zones: Social, Private, and Technical. Despite being housed within the same volume, these zones are clearly demarcated in the plan, offering a sense of order and purpose. Access to the home is provided through a corridor that functions as the main axis, connecting the various parts of the house. This axis leads to the social space—a cohesive area that combines the kitchen, dining room, and living room. This space is further extended by a covered patio, creating a continuous flow from inside to outside.
A particularly striking feature of this social area is the organic opening in the roof, through which a tree passes, symbolizing the home’s deep connection to nature. This design element not only brings a piece of the outside world into the heart of the home but also serves as a reminder of the dwelling’s symbiotic relationship with its environment.
Private Sanctuaries and Natural Light
The private areas of the house, located in the western part of the dwelling, include three bedrooms, one of which is en-suite. These rooms are served by a patio facing west, which provides both light and private outdoor space. In the center of the construction, two interior courtyards further enhance the flow of natural light into the dwelling. These courtyards act as private sanctuaries, offering glimpses of the sky and the surrounding landscape while ensuring that privacy is maintained.
PSB Arquitecto’s project is a thoughtful exploration of how architecture can respond to its environment, offering both refuge and connection. The interplay of interior and exterior spaces, the careful consideration of privacy, and the seamless integration with the surrounding landscape all contribute to a design that is both functional and poetic.
All images © by Ivo Tavares and PSB Arquitecto. Feel free to find other inspiring architecture projects from around the globe on WE AND THE COLOR.
Subscribe to our newsletter!
