A residence located in an old neighborhood of two-story homes with gabled roofs set back from the road. Over time, the area has evolved, houses repainted, fences rebuilt, windows replaced. The owner chose to reconstruct their family home due to structural deterioration and shifts in family dynamics. Rather than pursuing a fixed form, the design prioritizes participation and openness. The house appears to have grown organically from its surroundings, blurring distinctions between origin and end.
A three-story concrete grid frame was initially established, then modified and extended outward to its periphery. Bricks were laid between the frames to form walls; windows, skylights, stairs, curtains, and bathrooms were positioned in delicate relation to the original structure, resulting in a fragmented but interconnected space. Each floor serves a distinct purpose: the mother’s room, a living/dining area, and the son’s room. Projecting beams create shared spaces, approaches, corridors, and balconies that connect and separate the levels while linking the house to the environment. These semi-outdoor areas also allow for future expansion and adaptation. The construction method, brick infill within a reinforced concrete frame, is common in the area, often concealed behind decorative facades. By exposing and modifying this structure, the house reveals its origins, making the domestic space both visible and accessible. It is a process of continuous evolution, much like the ongoing act of habitation itself.
