The archetype projecting platform is a recurring facade feature. A contemporary interpretation combines structural design, construction techniques and modern materials to provide this contemplative, extroverted and domestic exterior space.
Balconies bring open-air space to the upper floors of a building. These platforms, which protrude from the facades, create interesting spaces from which to enjoy the views.
The typical balcony consists of an external platform enclosed by a balustrade to the open sides projecting from or recessed from the facade. Balconies are typically supported by a cantilevered structure, sometimes with brackets, corbels or other decorative elements.
The access from an upper-floor window or door creates an interesting facade opening, a threshold between the private character of the interior and the public and exposed exterior. Balconies are places from which to see and also to be seen, so they have traditionally been used for ceremonial purposes.
Balconies are mainly used in residential buildings, where they provide an outdoor domestic space in collective housing blocks. Our contemporary interpretation of the balcony allows us to modulate facades, generate changing compositions and adjust the permeability of the building envelope. In public buildings, balconies provide an institutional and symbolic character.
K house
the front garden
The front elevation of the house encloses a small patio between the dining room and the office area. This front garden is a transition space to the pool that captures the morning light.
maragato lofts
the view from the alley
From the narrow perpendicular street, the building is mysterious and elegant, showing its similarities and differences with the rest of historical buildings.
Ashley Gardens
the masterbedroom
The refurbishment project of this London flat includes the replacement of the original windows and interior finishes. The contemporary style of the interior design blends with the existing Victorian decorative elements.
maragato lofts
the view from the plaza
From the public space of the plaza, the design of the facade offers a playful arrangement of openings and balconies. These are perfectly aligned with the levels of the nearby buildings, and they keep the same proportion.
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the floor plan layout of the large flats
The most extensive flats in the residential complex have four and five bedrooms. The living room has the dimensions and distribution typical of the traditional typology and has a balcony to the interior riad.
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the physical model
The physical model of the project shows the majestic massing of the residential complex, the permeability of the faƧade and the generosity of the urban courtyards.
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the unfolded elevation
The iconic silhouette of the building is clearly visible in the unfolding elevation. The continuity of the volumes contrasts with the different character of the exterior and interior facades.
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the boulevard view
From the broad boulevard, the building presents a resounding and iconic image. The silhouette is reminiscent of the archetype of the gabled-roofed house, providing an exciting play of scales.
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the inner facade
The building envelope overlooking the inner courtyard has a simple and functional design. The regular arrangement of the windows contrasts with the position of the sliding shutters protecting them.
Shoreditch hotel
the facade detail
The faƧade of the hotel is made of prefabricated lightweight concrete elements, which form triangles to create a dark-coloured ruled surface on which the openings stand out like a chessboard.
cuƱa house
the exterior view
The simple exterior form of the house stands out against the flat landscape of the valley, while the white mountains can be seen in the background.
Shoreditch hotel
the view from Paul St
At nightfall, the light from the hotel windows underlines the chequered pattern of the black concrete faƧade, creating an easily recognisable icon that serves as an urban landmark for the restaurant and shopping area.
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the floor plan layout of the small flats
The rational modulation of the building structure allows flexible distribution of the housing units so that the development can be adjusted during the selling process according to demand.
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the south courtyard
The lower part of the building encloses the most intimate and secluded garden. Around this space, there are homes on the ground floor, so they have private gardens protected by a fence along its perimeter.
Ashley Gardens
the reception room
The living/dining room enjoys views of the street, and has access to the balcony. The herringbone wooden flooring contrasts with the white walls and ceilings and the neutral colours of the furniture.
connecting riads
the urban facade
The facade towards the boulevard has a series of balconies protected by sliding panels. These wooden shutters have a Moroccan tracery design that suggests a traditional reference to the contemporary design of the building.
Shoreditch hotel
the aerial view
From the aerial view, the urban presence of the hotel can be seen in its context. The dark figure slightly turned towards the intersection and the design of its iconic checkered faƧade create a symbolic and recognisable image.
spliced towers
the residential floor plan layouts
The residential blocks have four two-bedroom flats per stairwell with garden views, cross-ventilation and balconies facing north and south.
maragato lofts
the living room and kitchen
In contrast to the orthogonal rigidity of the exterior, the interior spaces are wrapped in soft, rounded corners. The oak flooring and the concrete ceiling offer a warm visual tone while a featured wooden slats partition serves as a transition and articulates the space.
maragato lofts
the facade
The shape of the faƧade openings responds to defined visual axes. The protruding balconies and the angled recesses seek to achieve the best views of the surroundings.
connecting riads
the south courtyard
The large block courtyards are pedestrian areas with abundant vegetation. The gardens have fountains and tropical trees, giving the perception of a fresh oasis in the heart of the residential compound.
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the riad facade
The massing of the building is a balance of filled and empty spaces. The large openings are balanced with the rotundity of the hanging balconies, cantilevering over the inner courtyard.
maragato lofts
the west elevation
The building facade aligns with heights of the adjacent buildings, blends with the historic architecture offering a regular balanced composition and it’s coronated with a zinc roof that looks like an interpretation of the traditional dormers.
K house
the balcony
The facade of the upper floor, covered in Canadian cedarwood, gives a warm and natural character to the building. Seen through the abundant vegetation, it almost looks like a wooden house hidden in the forest.
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the view from the top
From the top of the roof terrace, you can see the winding silhouette of the building and the view of the city in the background. The image conveys the symbolism of the building’s shape, its relationship with the landscape and the functionality and comfort of the apartments.
maragato lofts
the balconies
The protruding balconies, cantilevering alternately on every floor, are almost invisible. The slim metal slab cast shadows on the lower floors, enhancing the chessboard pattern effect of the composition.
connecting riads
the balconies detail
The balconies, protected by perforated wooden panels, have a subtle and sophisticated design. These protective screens filter the sunlight and project the whimsical geometric richness of the lattice into the interior.
K house
the main facade
The white concrete slab path leads to the intermediate level of the plot where the house is located. From this point, the elegant silhouette of the building can be observed, a symbolic form that invites to be explored in harmony with nature.
maragato lofts
the south facade
The carefully designed facade combines glass and steel protruding balconies with rhythmic recessed openings. The aluminium windows are framed in the stone facade, covered with a brick-patterned limestone cladding.
Shoreditch hotel
the view from Pitfield St
The curved shape of the faƧade responds to the flow of pedestrians and bicycles crossing the intersection between the two main streets. The building opens up like a giant curtain to allow passage with a welcoming gesture.
K house
the slatted wooden facade
The wooden slatted faƧade of the upper floor, topped by the line of the flat roof slab, cuts out the lush vegetation at the back.
Shoreditch hotel
the view from Old St
The building is presented as a rotund, stone volume with a chequered pattern of faƧade openings. This solid, almost tectonic composition is distorted by the deformation of the solid, which turns into a provocative gesture as it reacts to the flow of urban traffic.
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the street view
The ground floor of this residential building includes retail units facing the boulevard, and townhouses on the side facing the urban park. From the welcoming access to the inner block, courtyard, you can see the abundance of this hidden oasis.