Guaparo House by NMD Nomadas
Designed in 2016 by NMD Nomadas, Guaparo House is a contemporary concrete house located in Valencia, Venezuela.
About Guaparo House
Innovative Design in the Tropics
In tropical regions, homes often blend indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly; the environment and the structure coexist harmoniously.
Architectural Philosophy
The design reflects a lifestyle that blurs the lines between private and public spaces. Here, external and internal areas flow into each other, promoting an open living concept without barriers.
Historical Influence and Location
Situated in Valencia, Venezuela’s industrial hub, the house occupies the site of a former drive-in theater. The landscape still bears the imprint of the theater, with the terrain sloping east-west, cutting into a hillside. The house stands on this elevated section, offering sweeping views.
Design Strategy
The core concept is to create spaces that engage with the environment. This approach keeps the house connected to its surroundings rather than isolating it. It respects the natural contours of the land, integrating rather than dominating.
Guaparo House reverses traditional spatial roles, treating interior spaces as if they were outside. This results in a fluid sequence of indoor and outdoor areas:
– Enclosed patios mark the transition from private to social spaces with natural light defining these boundaries.
– A linear swimming channel extends alongside the house.
– Varied outdoor terraces offer multiple interactions with the environment: one terrace doubles as an extension to the living room, opening directly to the pool area; another adjoins the kitchen, enhancing its utility and enjoyment by connecting it to the outdoors; a private terrace near the bedrooms brings the outdoors into these personal retreats.
– A semi-underground terrace acts as a communal area, reminiscent of an open-air cinema amidst green spaces.
A continuous horizontal band weaves through these spaces, showcasing the dynamic between the interiors and exteriors. Below this band, the expansion of indoor and outdoor areas is visually captured. Above it, a glass feature emphasizes the home’s integration with the natural setting of the hill’s base and the expansive sky.
Photography by La Placa Gráfica
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- by Matt Watts
