The DNA of Murillo Housing originated in its implementation. The challenge of this project
was to position five 200m2 duplex houses in a lot while imposing minimal interference with
its existing wooded surroundings thus maximizing its harmony with nature.
A major priority in this project was to keep majestic tress adjacent to each house. After
additional studies on flow and natural illumination, we concluded that we could reach our
objective by designing a cross shape plan accurately positioned in the terrain. This
procedure resulted in an interesting rhythm where identical houses would have a distinct
look from every viewpoint.
The shed style roofing and the emphasis on ethically responsible outdoor living with
landscaped gardens bore out of our visit to Carrasco, where we noticed a strong
architectural identity established on the first half of the 20th Century with its simplistic
beauty and soul.
The alternating wooden and corrugated sheeting façade reveals a visual quality brought
about by a meticulous choice of materials and building details such as corrugated
charcoal gray sheets, wood, white plaster, glass and native vegetation.
The living and dining rooms are located on the ground level where an exterior wooden
paneled volume encases the kitchen and laundry area.
The majestic trees provide soothing shield for an outdoor patio designated for gatherings
where the BBQ grill is the main star. The patio floor utilizes repurposed stones from the old
house maintaining our commitment to responsible and sustainable design.
The TV room is situated beside the central volume that contains the powder room and the
stairs leading to the second floor where three full suites are connected by a mezzanine
style family room. The double height wall is comprised of glass panels exposing the
abundant outdoors vegetation while providing for cross ventilation thus maintaining the
house air fresh and well circulated.
To resolve thermal insulation, we utilized double glass panels with solar protection; and on
the façade - either wood or corrugated sheeting - we purposedly left a gap between it and
the steel frame.
Murillo Housing is a thoughtful result of an ongoing collaboration between Uruguaian
architect Santiago Fernandez and Brazilian architect Candida Tabet.
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