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Vortex House
Vortex House
Ecuador
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Other Projects by A1 Arquitectura Avanzada
Vortex House
Ecuador
The Vortex House, situated on a corner lot, faces the challenges of dual exposure to public space and the restrictions imposed by urban regulations. In response, the architectural proposal skillfully balances privacy with openness, creating a design that addresses both site-specific conditions and the needs of its occupants.
The volumetric design of the project is defined by a concave-convex morphology. The concave form, oriented inward, centers around an existing endemic tree, creating a sense of privacy, tranquility, and harmony. This arrangement fosters a cohesive spatial perception among the programmatic elements on the ground floor. In contrast, the convex form, acting as a plinth, establishes a clear architectural boundary, limiting any interaction between the public space and the house’s interior, thereby protecting the private spaces within.
The composition of the house is built around three core elements: a stone plinth that anchors the structure, an intermediate dilating element, and a metal upper volume. The heavy stone contrasts with the lighter, floating appearance of the metal upper level, achieved through a clever use of glass that emphasizes the dynamic interaction between these materials. The controlled oxidation of the metal on the upper floor adds a striking visual character, making it the focal point of the design.
The upper floor’s use of metal plays a critical role in defining the spatial sequence within the house. The primary volumes, which house the bedrooms, are scaled to dominate the design, emphasizing their importance. Clad in oxidized metal, these volumes not only offer a timeless aesthetic but also create a clear visual dialogue between the spaces.
To link the main volumes, a black corrugated metal connector is introduced, providing contrast with the oxidized metal. This connector houses secondary spaces such as bathrooms and circulation areas. The façade’s materiality tells the internal story of the house, making the spatial organization legible from the outside.
The exposed metal structural system is another key feature. Beams span across voids, enhancing the verticality and connecting the various levels of the house. Exposed columns introduce a rhythmic sequence, aligning with the programmatic shifts along each column axis.
Ornamental details, such as an artistic lattice on the façade, add a layer of sophistication. The lattice, designed with a discontinuous weave, filters natural light into the interior, creating dynamic patterns of light and shadow that evolve throughout the day.
Inside, metal continues to play a dominant role, especially in the design of staircases and connecting elements. The main entrance features a floating staircase made of metal and wood, suspended against a stone wall. The metal steps form a ribbon-like structure, which emerges from the wall, floats away to create two steps, and then reattaches, with a water feature beneath that echoes the fluidity of the design.
A secondary helical staircase serves as a sculptural centerpiece, embodying the project's conceptual essence. Its steps are suspended in the air, visually reinforcing the concave-convex theme that runs throughout the house.
Metal is the primary material of The Vortex House, applied in both structural and decorative contexts. Through a combination of techniques and finishes, including the controlled oxidation and black corrugated metal, the design creates a dynamic interplay between form and material. The floating volumes, the façade’s spatial sequence, and the detailed craftsmanship of elements like the staircases and water mirrors, result in a refined architectural response that both respects the environment and meets the occupants' needs, with metal taking center stage as the defining feature of the home.
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