Located on a strip of land between the narrow coastal road and the picturesque shoreline, this residence sits on its site rather comfortably, not only forming an integral part of the shoreline, but also enhancing it. The plot of land has a rather linear shape, with a crooked shoreline on one side, and the road curve on the other. The house design makes a clear-cut two zone linear partition. A straight, Miesian wall with gargantuan proportions penetrates the building and subdivides the public, roadside from the private shore side. The house is conceived as a contemporary version of an antique Roman seaside villa, as witnessed in the writings of Pliny the younger. The public side of the house contains guard’s quarters, service areas, garage, driver’s quarters, etc. and retains a rather opaque character with guard’s openings, with a de-stijl flair.
The private side of the seaside residence has a very stylish, single aspect exposure, where all the rooms have beautiful views of the seashore, which is within easy reach. The large patio area separating the house from the sea forms both an outdoor living area and leisurely extension to the house. A swimming pool provides for summer fun activities, where palm trees, landscape, and all types of outdoor summer living amenities are catered for. Guest cabins are available for those who would wish to indulge in more hedonistic maritime activities. A tennis court provides for lovers of this sporting activity.
The house proper is composed of several segments arranged unconventionally on two floors. The living quarters and daytime activities separate the two bedroom areas. Thus, one sector has a guest master bedroom on the ground, while the other floor has the principal master on the top floor, complete with sitting area and light-washed, sky-lit wall and picture widow framing the horizon. A private, reclusive studio provides the architects with his own private contemplative workspace, where he could create free from the hassle of his busy downtown office. Overall, design features and elements from several modernist masters have been adapted for his house. Thus, Mediterranean characteristics are further enhanced by Le Corbusier type plastic architecture values, where the house also resembles a ship docking at the seaside, with several decks open for activities. The linear de-stijl volumes and straight wall elements remind one of early Mies Van Der Rohe. The skylights and minimalism are reminiscent to Louis Barragan, while the overall composition of the house with its apparent end result cannot be other than the architect’s.
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