The project responds to the need of creating a new area adjacent to a weekend home for a big family, located in the outskirts of the city of Quito, Ecuador. With the idea of generating spaces for leisure as well as for family gatherings, the new extension includes two wide-open areas connected to each other, one functioning as a family and game room, the other serving as a lounge-dining area with an integrated kitchen. The program further includes service spaces such as bathrooms and storage, embracing a big green patio that serves as a garden for the main house.

The project emulates the natural landscape of the site by adapting the architectural volume to the terrain. From behind the building is barely visible and it does not show its actual size, nor does it interfere with the view from the site to the nearby valleys and mountains. The visual pattern is a determinant factor of the building placement; the volumes are positioned to frame the view as well as possible. Also, the placement corresponds to an east-west axis line to try to take in the natural light.

Although from certain spots on the surrounding land, the project practically disappears, the architectural volume has a height of 4m, and the project creates open areas of 8m width and 20m length. Because of this, a constructive strategy had to be planned to allow these spaces to come to fruition while trying to avoid the placement of columns inside the space that might have divided the open areas or have interfered with the view. The height of the spaces comes from the strategy of dealing with the specific microclimate of the area, which tends to be quite hotter than the weather in Quito city. The placement of the openings in the volumes corresponds to the idea of creating cross ventilation inside the spaces, especially in the lounge-dining area.

Besides the engineering difficulties, the project proposes slanted walls as infill of the architectural volumes, which are an essential esthetic element and correspond to the idea of wanting to bring the mountain shapes near the site to the terrain itself. The project is thought in such a way that the articulation of the spaces does not interfere with the view from the site, which is why the architectural volumes are plain white with pronounced edges and some walls made of exposed concrete to contrast the white. The interior design also follows this program with plain white walls and ceiling that contrasts with grey flooring.

It is worth mentioning that the spaces created can also function as a place for reception events since the project presents open areas as well as staff areas for that complimentary use of the space.

j2ibstudio

The post La Victoria was originally published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications | ek magazine – Architectural Publications.

When London based International Interior design firm Elastic Interiors were approached to design Nammos Dubai, belonging to a world-famous Mediterranean beach club brand notorious for its vibrant scene, they were elated at the opportunity to develop a new and upcoming destination. The firm, led by Partner & Creative Director Enrique Mangalindan and Founders Ria Vogiatzi & Alexander Xenos, along with their multi-faceted design team, are behind luxurious Resorts such as One & Only, AMAN, Marriott, among others.

The main design philosophy was to create an elegant interior that resonates of vernacular architecture, featuring authentic Mykonian materials. In this special location, the overall design aesthetic aimed to capture the soul of Nammos Mykonos, where luxury, leisure, beach life, fashion and the most memorable parties coexist in perfect harmony.

Upon arrival, large tiered reflection pools anchored by a single mature palm tree, surround the building façade, reflecting the Dubai sky and giving the illusion of a floating glass structure.

The pool is delineated by large stone platform steps, forming a bridge between the cobbled stone road and the elevated entry doors. This procession is heightened by the sound of cascading water running on both sides of the entry path, creating a full sensory experience.

The journey begins with the iconic Mykonian painted fieldstone as the main backdrop to the interior reception lobby. Ambient candlelit niches create a warm threshold between the reception and the excitement that lies beyond. The interior of the lobby is adorned with customized suspended light pendants that resemble illuminated beach pebbles, hung in varying heights to create a light filled, playful ceiling plane.

Curated sculptural furniture placed upon hand-crafted area rugs, is nestled on both sides of the lobby, providing a relaxed lounge setting where guests are surrounded by views to the lush garden and reflecting pool. The furniture upholstery is a selection of light colored natural linen fabrics that create a play on texture, while tone-on-tone patterned textiles celebrate intricate weaving techniques, often found in the traditional craftmanship of both Dubai and Greece.

These same weaving techniques are integrated into the interior architectural elements through textural rope embellishments, wrapping the chestnut screen ceiling, dotted with wicker wood beams. Both wicker and chestnut are local to Greece and are commonly used in Mykonian architecture.

The entry corridor separating the arrival lobby and main dining area is lined with tall, rich carved wood. In this carved path, the selection of fine wines, the best grade meats and fresh seafood is showcased like fine jewelry behind glass screens.

Elastic Architects

The post Nammos Dubai was originally published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications | ek magazine – Architectural Publications.