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Innovative Design: A House That Appears to Float
In a creative solution to fit a garden into a narrow, uneven plot, a house has been constructed atop a significant structure, giving it a unique levitating appearance.
The design process faced both financial limitations and structural complexities, demanding high levels of creativity from the architects. “To minimize foundation costs, we positioned the house’s supports at the points where the bedrock reaches its highest level,” notes BeAr. The challenge was compounded by the need for economical finishes, resulting in a house that exhibits a humble exterior. “We aimed for what we called an ‘honest’ house, one that doesn’t pretend to be something it isn’t. The choice of wood elements was vital; we carefully selected materials, opting for rough sawn wood for the porches instead of laminated options,” Berasategui emphasizes.
The concrete bases are precisely positioned at the highest points of the bedrock, effectively lowering the expenses associated with the building’s foundation.
The interior design exudes a rustic log cabin vibe, emphasizing wood as the predominant material, stripped down to the essentials. Although the design may appear straightforward, each element has been meticulously planned and executed.
Exploring the home reveals no sense of compromise in quality. “The true luxury of this house lies in its spaciousness. The ceilings soar to nearly 16 feet, and abundant natural light floods in from the west and above. That’s a rare find in urban settings,” he adds.
The elongated layout resembles a large, flowing space, where most areas are interconnected, with the exception of the bedroom and portions of the bathroom. The owner, who enjoys hosting gatherings, requested a spacious kitchen with an ample sink, crafted from quarried stone. “He has opted out of a dishwasher because he finds the process of handwashing dishes relaxing,” Berasategui explains. The kitchen, situated on the west end of the house, features various modules made from water-resistant MDF, a cost-effective yet durable material.
The kitchen cabinetry is thoughtfully designed, featuring modular units interspersed with windows, all coated in an olive green, water-repellent MDF, which offers significant moisture resistance without breaking the bank.
To conceal the kitchen island’s extraction fan, BeAr has implemented a ladder-shaped shelf that simultaneously serves as a spice rack.
“We opted for a playful kidney-bean shape for the kitchen island. With the extraction fan positioned underneath, we crafted a red stepladder that not only conceals the fan but also doubles as a spice rack,” he describes.
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