1990 DALMAU HOUSE
Texts
This house is a proposal to combine in a radical manner the two components of the architectural system; a stereotomic, carved, base sustaining a tectonic, assembled, element.
Located at the highest point in the area with interesting views to the far horizon, the site suggested the placement of the public zones, the living areas, at the top, and the sleeping areas at the bottom. The seasonal weather extremes make this solution quite logical.
The stereotomic base, a square in plan, two-story, stone box, contains on its lowest level the bedrooms and garage and on the middle level the kitchen and dining room.
The glass and steel tectonic element, on top of and flush with the stone prism that supports it, is a contrasting transparent space, continuous and whole. To accentuate this, it is paved with the same stone as the facades. The four cornerstones are meant to be seen as “complete” solid blocks, with the stair leading to this transparent top floor excavated into this “rock.” The requested elevator emerges uneccumbered from below.
Above, in the crystalline tectonic cabin, the “intellectual” existence; thinking, looking, dreaming. Below, in the stony stereotomic cave, the “animal” existence; eating, sleeping.
