Initially conceived as an art studio or art gallery, the floorplan makes positive use of
the structural walls as exhibition spaces. Furthermore, the rhythm of those
concrete elements from mass to void, generates the ideal canvas for the muralist
and painter Louis Carreon to customize his own nature retreat. The way the
structure characterizes the whole architectural expression along with the
challenges faced while engineering for the open corners, the thin structural walls
and slabs is definitely a victory of form over function.
The riverfront lot was very rich in guasimo trees, and its higher water table keeps a
year-long canopy – veil that casts it shadows over the house. After a careful study
of their diameter we chose where to build and where to preserve, so the whole
building footprint could be shaded.
With a completely open floorplan, the living spaces of the house allow for every
corner to become the art studio, so that the painter can take advantage of the ideal
lighting and landscape at any given time. A neutral grey palette for both concrete
structure and wooden finishes gives more importance to the artwork over the
architecture, with almost no contrast, and a light surface to observe the very
dynamic shadow patterns.
Location: Hacienda Iguana, Tola, Nicaragua