House Within A House

The House Within A House represents an evolution of the modern tropical envelope. Walls are decoupled from structure, pushed outwards to form a living concrete shell that responds naturally to the flexible interior spaces. In designing a unified system rather than an agglomeration of ad-hoc solutions, the formal language is expressed in a clear dialogue between nature and architecture. Designed to protect the interior from the harsh tropical sun without compromising on light, ventilation and views, strategically placed apertures and rifts punctuate the shell, creating a mischievous ambiguity of where the outside ends and the inside begins. These layered spaces are populated with decks and balconies, defining livable spaces not through the use of walls and roof, but through shelter and privacy. Rather than bringing the outdoors in, the corten steel tile-clad volumes instead challenge normality by pulling pockets of living space outwards through the encasing shell, preserving and celebrating the relationship to the surrounding environment. This light, airy architecture continues into the interior, where double height spaces and cantilevered volumes give the house a playful and lively, yet serene and private atmosphere. This extensive glazing draws natural light into the living spaces while the encasing shell provides much needed privacy from neighbors. A small but curated selection of warm, natural materials like timber and stone also help to create a comfortable environment.