The dictionary defines luxury as “a state of great comfort or elegance, especially when involving great expense.” Though we generally associate luxury with wealth, it also clearly entails a state of being, the idea of a life lived in absolute comfort and beauty. Luxury in this sense, is not focussed on outward display, but pointed within. It denotes a personal way of being, stripped from superfluity and made to last.

If we strip our needs to their essence using Maslow’s hierarchy, we come out with a search for self-actualization and enriching experiences, a deeply personal quest going beyond what we physically need. When applied to the design of a home, we unveil a need for a bespoke environment, one that is representative of our identity and way of living. House by the Ocean reflects the personal universe it encapsulates.

For our client, “personal” also meant “private”. As such, the house provides two types of experiences: that of the visitors and that of the inhabitants. The house’s entrance feels like a “staged” encounter, a slow acquaintance with the building and its character, subtly guiding visitors to the common areas of the house. Meanwhile, closed blocks create more intimate spaces designed to privately experience separate areas of the house.

House by the Ocean does not project its wealth outwards but aims to create a harmony amongst its inhabitants and context. Luxury architecture doesn’t impose. It connects the outside and inside world. It’s not an ephemeral construction but a pedestal that plays with wide views onto the ocean and a close, dense experience of nature. The house is solid, durable and aware of its surroundings, at peace with itself.

It’s not about looking for more, but rather about seeking what’s right. Though it sounds contradictory, simplicity is a complex construction. What we leave out of our lives is just as important as what’s left in. Selection is a means to attain freedom and comfort. House by the Ocean reduces its material and form to its essence, a careful selection of details meant to fit a particular way.

Credits:
- MESURA - Partner & Founder - Jaime Font