CONTEMPORIST

Casa Del Pico by ÁBATON Arquitectura
AR-CHE Aqua Floathome by Steeltec37
Oblio House by Edward Fitzgerald Architects

Posted: 07 Dec 2011 12:37 PM PST

ÁBATON Arquitectura designed the Casa del Pico in Spain.

Description from the architects:

Since the land was on a high slope it was necessary to build a two-story villa. The idea of two structures floating on rock was possible because of the granite on the land. The bottom of the swimming pool is irregular imitating the shape of the granite on which it stands.

The ground floor was designed to be more in contact with the exterior and the garden is spacious. The upstairs area, where the sitting room and children’s area are situated, overlooks the swimming pool. The terrace, which is above the sitting room, offers views over the mountain range and the city and it has a wide stone bench which serves as a defence wall. Each area of the house is different because of the changing levels of floors and ceilings.

Visit the ÁBATON Arquitectura website – here.

Photography by Pablo Gómez Zuloaga

AR-CHE Aqua Floathome by Steeltec37

Posted: 07 Dec 2011 05:35 AM PST

Steeltec37 created a floathome design for the Lusatian Lake District in Germany.

Visit the Steeltec37 website – here.

Oblio House by Edward Fitzgerald Architects

Posted: 07 Dec 2011 02:12 AM PST

Edward Fitzgerald Architects designed the Oblio house in Cedar Crest, New Mexico.

Description from the architect:

Oblio House in Cedar Crest's East Mountains is a study of intersection between circulation and topography. Built on a steep site, the design organizes the house on two levels that step down the site . The main entrance is at the upper level. Once inside, circulation doubles back in the opposite direction revealing views of the private natural sanctuary and accessing the guest quarters and study loft. The lower level is accessed by stairs that are aligned with South Mountain. This axis intersects the orthogonal geometry of the lower level, living area. The lower level contains: open living / dining / kitchen area and the master bedroom suite. These areas open out onto a terrace that sits within the natural wooded landscape. The house is constructed of polished concrete floors, insulated concrete forms (ICF), and recycled wood stud framing. Exterior finishes are stucco and rusted metal roof and wall panels. The house utilizes passive solar photovoltaic and hot water roof panels for electricity and in-floor heating. Rain water is collected into underground cisterns for landscape irrigation.

Visit the Edward Fitzgerald Architects website – here.

Photography by Robert Reck