The building is located on Niceto
Vega Street, an artery in constant development in
the Palermo
neighborhood. Being always aware of the location, we understood the
importance of the building´s presence both from the architectonic perspective and programmatic mark it leaves.

The speed and lights that
characterize this street, along with other decisive premises, were analyzed when
studying the proposal as a departing point to reflect upon the duality between
the building proposal from its façade to the outside and that from to the
inside. We therefore worked to develop the idea of the façade as an inflection
point between the inner spatial search related to the static-perceptive, and
the outer search that expresses the language of the dynamic, one that is
totally linked to vehicular dynamism.
Starting from the decision to preserve the house´s most genuine
characteristics (typically “Palermesque”) the project proposes an integration
with the already existent but linking itself through the modern and
contemporary while also paying homage to the original construction.
We were interested from the very beginning in reinterpreting the
relation between the façade and the outside almost like a “back-light” sign
operation so as to create a tension, movement, ludic dynamic, an intention of
colors as an answer to the outer reality. Such operation of an agile, light and
modern façade rests on the robustness and solidity of the original façade,
composing a whole that is intimately related and tectonic. As a result we have the sequence of twelve 13.77 ft. tall x 23.6 in. slender pivoting
shutters made of frosted polycarbonate
placed in metal frames, which allow the versatility in the façade opening,
sweeping the specter from an A phase (a 100% hermetically sealed façade) to a B
phase (a totally open façade). Each shutter hides a system of Leds RGB that
allows to dye the façade according to the desired color and chromatic sequence.
This whole dispositive of such a contemporary style provides the final
touch to the classic façade while simultaneously distinguishing itself from it
through a visible strip of reinforced concrete that covers the front side to
side.
Inner motionlessness as a contrast
The building functions in cuts, which was achieved through a succession
of stepped patios and floating mezzanines and of quiet spaces for perception
and contemplation. Inner spaces interrelated through continuous visuals that
are deliberately aimed at the outside and the main sources of light, the search
for the sky and the green, all of it achieved via the total opening of space
through windows totally devoid of studs and woodwork. Metal frames were designed
to embrace the big glass slabs while avoiding the reinforced concrete
structure, forming the whole inner façade of the building.
The sole idea of focusing and structuring the building towards its inner
world resulted in the capturing of an oasis full of vegetation and making it an
integral part of the whole so as to somehow preserve the essence and character
of the original construction.
Throughout the whole work there is the near-obsessive premise of working
on the common links between the “old house” and the “new work”. These links are
always points of tension from the architectonic perspective, which undoubtedly
required our utmost attention, reflection and project solving skills. These
encounters between the “old” and “new” worlds demand a particular care (design
and material-wise) for both the general and primary decisions on the project as
well as for the solving of the tiniest construction details   From the technological perspective the project follows the same premise.
The construction functions as an early 20th century house that
assimilates the highest technology: from earth-friendly air conditioning
systems to areas with HD audio and video.
As project designers, from the first sketches we became interested in
achieving this task by following the idea of richness of space, the use of
noble materials, constructive honesty, chromatic serenity and the preservation
of green so as to achieve a receptacle meant to relegate all of its prominence
to the pieces of art it will contain.