Chang Liu_Lonking Out Week 7

hernandez silva arquitectos: house FF, mexico

mexican practice hernandez silva arquitectos have just completed ‘house FF,’ a private residence located on a cul-de-sac in zapopan, mexico. 
a dynamic interplay of forms and materials, the dwelling is rooted in the idea of providing a range of views and varying qualities of space. 
formally, the reinforced concrete and steel construction presents a solid white mass resting upon a foundation clad in natural wood veneer to
further accentuate a floating effect. many geometries on the second storey overhang the exterior spaces at ground level providing passive shading
and defining shared buffer spaces. the entrance contains a reflecting pool after passing a lush walkway to the front gate, that sets the tone for the 
rest of the design as it defines a sort of mellifluous courtyard that instantly becomes part of the interior space with the sliding of a large glass wall.

the primary social spaces at entry level have no physical partition between them, each offering a new palette of materials that connect to one another 
with an endless juxtaposition of heavy and light. these areas also bleed out to the exterior through retractable walls and sight lines. a small central 
concrete staircase takes the owner to the upper floor where the private bedrooms enjoy the warmth of a wooden floor encased in white, all under a 
massive canopy that shades the interior and directs views down the linear corridor into the yard. thin wooden blinds add a new texture to the transparent
facade as it adds a level of privacy towards the street. the yard and terrace demands attention on its own, with a small bar under the cantilevering mass above, 
is open to the outside where a swimming pool and the year-round comfortable climate beckon friends and family to spend their time outdoors.