© Ivo Tavares Studio
Lavra House
by Ricardo Azevedo
“A house without walls”
“It is the house of a gardener. A man who belongs to the trees, to the cedar, to the maples, to the air breeze. The house can’t contain him. These spaces convert themselves into a house without walls. The garden was a blank space that the client shaped as a sculptor craves a rough stone into a diamond.”
The evolution of the Lavra House project was driven by the necessity to address issues uncovered during an analysis of the existing construction—a traditional 1980s house. While building rehabilitation typically emphasizes historical significance, some structures lack such significance, as was evident in this case. The house serves as a testament to the interaction between space and client, embodying the dynamic relationship that architecture can foster.
The connection between the interior and exterior was nonexistent, compelling the imperative to merge and unify these environments. The hallway, the extension of the living space, and a new social volume delineate three distinct volumes elevated from the ground. This expansion further reinforced the objective of linking the interior with the exterior. The interior seamlessly transitions into the exterior and vice versa, while adhering to program requirements. The project’s concept revolves around the aspiration to simultaneously exist within and outside without constraints.
The panoramah! minimalist window system played an important role in facilitating this seamless transition. The glass-maximized surfaces and minimal frames, coupled with integrated peripheral elements, imbued a sense of transparency. Numerous elements contribute to this connection with the surrounding nature, including the large sliding doors that open directly to the garden and the utilization of organic shapes and materials. The unconventional use of curved walls and windows, along with the incorporation of marble in various surfaces such as the marble-covered pivot door, exemplifies this approach.
More photos here
