Palma has been a case study for our architectural production, exploring the design expression and language of a lighter structural system based on steel beams and columns covered by insulated panels and walls.

The more pragmatic approach to the house layout avoids separate structures and concrete, but still opens a void space on the floorplan to create an accent on the main entrance and ensure natural lighting throughout the day as well as natural ventilation for the changing weather.

Seeking to make use of every advantage of the steel framing, a desire to camouflage the structure came to play and the smaller scale of the project made it possible to hide the columns amongst the glass-door facades and dividing walls. This is how the glass box concept was born, and how it eventually lost attachment to any specific location to become our main research about optimized house for tropical weather.

Location: Hacienda Iguana, Tola, Nicaragua