The composition of Casa no Geres along the Spanish border in Portugal is very appropriate for its environment. It is located in a National Park where there is beauty all around. The scale of the structure is very appropriate because it allows the building to blend in with the scale of its surrounding environment, which consists of plenty of trees, rock, and water. It was constructed in human scale where everything is on the same level. There are no high vaulted ceiling to make the viewer seem miniscule or anything of that nature. This allows the viewer to connect with the space and feel at home. Even though the space is in human scale, the outside environment around it is a very monumental scale. The sheer size of the 5,000 square meter park surrounding the home is enormous compared to the 60 square meter house.
The 2-D and 3-D composition of the space is very well related to its floor plan. The shapes and forms seen throughout the interior are reflected in the layout. It seems that geometric shapes were primarily used in the space. There was some use of curvilinear forms but not the majority. For example the rectangular windows that surround the home emulate the rectangular layout of the home. There are wood panels that cover the walls and ceiling of the interior also reflect this rectangular shape. There are square and rectangular carpets that fill the space. The parallelogram shapes of the couches reflect the overall shape of the house. Finally the colors used in the interior reflect the natural colors that are seen simply by gazing through the window.
A real sense of cohesiveness is formed by all of these different elements. It is somewhat unlikely considering it is a concrete structure in the middle of the wilderness. But the simplicity of the structure and its straightforward design is mimicked in nature. The wonderful views that are created through the large window openings tie the scene together as a whole.
Would this structure connect to its surroundings even more if its materials were changed? What materials would you suggest to use to accomplish this? Would you feel comfortable and at ease in this environment? Why or why not?
When I think of structures that connect well to their surrondings, I am normally thinking of houses located in a forest that are mostly made of natural wood. However in this case, I do think that the house connects well to its surrondings. When you look at the pictures, you can see the even though there are some smaller trees in the background, the majority of the landscape is rock. Therefore, the use of a grey concrete and metal exterior finish does seem appropriate. Since the house is relatively small, using these materials doesn't make the building seem out of place. However, if the house were larger, I would suggest adding in more natural elements of different woods. This might help to break up the look of a solid concrete mass in the middle of a national park. Personally, I'm not sure if I would feel totally comfortable and at home in this environment. I do like modern surrondings, but there is a limit to what I feel comfortable with. I prefer a combination of curves and straight lines. I'm not sure if this house could be a place that I would feel comfortable just lounging around in. The overwhelming simplicity and use of straight lines would make me feel as if I couldn't relax in the space. I would be afraid to leave anything out of its place. I am an organized person, but it only goes so far!
ReplyDeleteI would feel at ease in this environment, for sure! Usually home means having lots of personal artifacts around to comfort you and remind you of loved ones. But sometimes having lots of THINGS around can become a burden, and can really start to cause stress. Although there is a certain level of feeling exposed, I think I would feel at ease in that space because of the lack of THINGS and plethora of VIEW. (sorry for the caps, I don't know how to use italics...)
ReplyDeleteLarge expanses of glass sounds uncomfortable because of the privacy it would take away, but the rural location of this house wouldn't make me anxious that someone could see my private life. The way the house connects to the outdoors is relaxing and puts the mind at ease.
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ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting space to think about because in my opinion I believe it's interior would connect with its surroundings very well, while its exterior somewhat connects to it's surroundings. The interior connects well with its surroundings because of how exposed it is to the outside, provided by the large open picture windows. While this can cause a privacy issue, i believe the issue of privacy is addressed and solved in the location of the house, which appears to be in the middle of nowhere, miles away from "Peeping Toms". I believe the materials disguise this structure as a very large boulder. Although we know its not, from very far away and maybe squinting, it could blend very nicely, due to its concrete construction.
ReplyDeleteI do believe I would feel comfortable in this environment, but I might be a little uneasy because half the building is teetering over the edge of a cliff. This is exciting, while at the same time, I might feel a little nervous. However, because there is not a large amount of space devoted to the interior spaces, I feel a concentration is put on the exterior environment. Nature, for me, is always easing and comfortable, and I would feel completely at home in this space.