De las Formas house
A home that plays with geometry and light.
De las Formas house is more than just a dwelling. It is an exploration of space, light, and geometry. Located on a site with significant constraints, the design responds to a complex architectural challenge: integrating a new 143 m² construction with the renovation of an existing 135 m² house. Both must coexist harmoniously for different generations of the same family. With a focus on functionality, restoration, and aesthetic design, this house is a testament to how architecture transforms limitations into opportunities.
The project was conceived under the premise that architecture must engage in dialogue with its context, responding intelligently to the needs of its inhabitants. Every design decision seeks to enhance the space's qualities. The goal is to foster a seamless connection between people, nature, light, and vegetation. Vegetation, naturally integrated into the design, breaks the rigidity of geometry, humanizes the space, and creates a dialogue with the forms. In every corner, plants are not just decorative elements; they play an essential role. They complement the architecture and add a layer of naturality that connects the interior with the exterior.
A solution for two generations.
De las Formas house addresses the need for a new home while also renewing the pre-existing house. It allows both to coexist independently yet remain strategically connected. The renovation improved circulation and quality of life, notably replacing a spiral staircase with a broader, more accessible structure. This ensured both houses could function together without compromising autonomy while maintaining visual and spatial connections between them.
The design ensured that each home had its own identity while also allowing for interaction between them. Patios were created not only as gathering spaces but also to enhance the flow of light and vegetation. These courtyards serve as points of connection without sacrificing the independence of each unit.
Transformation with identity.
Every design adjustment aimed to improve the connection between spaces, ensuring independence without losing architectural continuity.
From the beginning, the design was developed in collaboration with the clients, incorporating their tastes and aspirations into every architectural decision. Beyond meeting functional needs, the result had to become their home—a space with identity. Every architectural choice reflects their lifestyle and way of inhabiting the space.
Overcoming spatial limitations.
The greatest challenge was designing a new house with spacious, well-lit areas. It was done within a site subject to strict urban constraints. Regulations allowed construction on only 60% of the lot, of which 35% was already built before the intervention.
To overcome these restrictions, every square meter was used intelligently. Creative solutions included optimizing ceiling heights, integrating patios and terraces, and incorporating playful elements in double and triple-height spaces, such as suspended nets. These nets create flexible areas for rest or play.
The design not only maximized the available space but also transformed it. It creates a visually expansive experience through the strategic placement of windows. These windows allow abundant natural light to enter while generating a dynamic interplay of shadows within the interiors.
A minimal material palette ensures that light and shadow become the true protagonists, subtly revealing architectural details. As natural light changes throughout the day, it generates shifting atmospheres and a unique experience in every corner.
Form as an aesthetic integrator.
To unify the house's volumes, curved elements were introduced in the facade. Instead of a composition of separate cubes, a continuous flow of surfaces was created, softening the geometry and imparting a welcoming feel. This aesthetic language extended to the renovated house, ensuring visual coherence between the two structures. The curved forms not only add a distinctive character but also establish an organic relationship with the surroundings. As they interact with light, they create smooth transitions across surfaces, emphasizing their fluidity and depth.
At Ethelett, we believe in creating spaces that feel fresh today, tomorrow, and always—designs that stand out without overwhelming, with a timeless aesthetic meant to accompany you regardless of trends. Luxury is not in extravagance but in well-crafted details, in the simplicity of a warm space that invites tranquility and enjoyment. In their softness and simplicity, these forms transcend the present moment, offering a design that endures while retaining its freshness.
Transitions between spaces were designed to be fluid, avoiding abrupt interruptions. This enhances the experience of movement, allowing inhabitants to discover the space gradually. This architecture does not reveal itself all at once; it invites exploration, fostering a more intimate and sensory relationship with the space.
Spaces that transform.
The house's layout is designed to adapt to its inhabitants' changing needs throughout the day and over time. The ground floor is open and fluid, integrating the living room, dining area, triple-height atrium, and kitchen into a continuous space where natural light shifts throughout the day, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. A small half-bathroom is discreetly placed near the entrance, maintaining the openness of the other spaces.
On the second level, bedrooms are connected by a bridge that spans the atrium, offering cross-views between different spaces. The third level houses various functional areas: an art studio, a workspace, a bedroom, and a lounge for movies and video games. These diverse functions are integrated seamlessly within a single space, allowing total flexibility to adapt over time.
Finally, the habitable rooftop becomes a refuge for relaxation and socializing, providing a peaceful environment in direct contact with nature. This continuous adaptability ensures that the house evolves alongside its inhabitants' needs.
Home office.
Given the post-pandemic context, remote work has become a necessity. De las Formas house addresses this demand with a dedicated home office space.
How should a home workspace be? Not like a conventional office—no one wants to feel like they have a miniature corporate cubicle at home. Nor should it be a lounging area, as excessive comfort can hinder concentration.
At De las Formas house, we envisioned a balance: a space that motivates without distracting. Vegetation and wood connect with nature, playful details spark creativity, natural light keeps energy levels up, and a calm color palette avoids visual noise—plus a touch of art, because inspiration is essential.
A home office doesn’t have to be rigid or dull; it can be a space where you genuinely enjoy spending time.
Vegetation as an integrator.
At De las Formas house, vegetation is not merely decorative; it is an essential element that connects the geometry of the volumes with the surrounding nature. Its presence softens architectural forms, transforming geometric rigidity into a more organic and human atmosphere.
Strategically placed greenery appears in integrated planters on the facade, as well as in hanging gardens on the rooftops. Beyond its aesthetic function, vegetation complements the materials and objects, creating a deep connection with the natural environment.
This bond extends beyond the visual, engaging all the senses. It creates a space where not only people feel at home, but plants, animals, and life itself thrive.
A clear example of this integration is the climbing plants that grow from planters on the parapet walls, filling the triple-height atrium with their presence. These plants establish a continuous link between the interior and exterior, creating a dynamic and ever-changing atmosphere throughout the day.
Light as a design material.
One of the project's most striking features is the triple-height atrium, bathed in natural light through a glass roof. This space not only illuminates the interior but also connects the various levels of the house, creating a sense of spaciousness and connectivity.
Windows and openings are designed to optimize natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. In this project, light doesn’t just illuminate—it constructs.
The placement of openings allows natural light to shift throughout the day, generating different atmospheres in each space. Thus, light is treated as another material, bringing each corner of the house to life with changing moods and unique sensations.
The staircase as sculpture.
Following Ethelett’s philosophy, the staircase is not just a functional element. It is a sculptural piece that defines the character of the interior space.
In both houses, the staircases were designed as focal points. Geometric lines were used to bring dynamism to the spaces. These lines integrate harmoniously with the architectural language of the project.
Materiality as a witness to the past and a transitional element.
In the renovation of De las Formas house, the aim was to preserve the essence of the original construction, allowing its materiality to be expressed honestly. The choice was made to retain the raw nature of the materials, honoring the history of what once existed. This approach established a tangible connection to the past.
Masonry walls covered in stucco are one of the main manifestations of this intention. Both in the renovation and the new construction, they unify the project and create material continuity.
For both houses, select wooden elements such as built-in furniture were introduced. These add warmth and naturalness to the spaces. Neutral tones in the microcement floors are complemented by soft details, with rugs adding a welcoming touch to the environment.
In the new house, color was incorporated as an artistic expression through paintings and painted furniture. These elements contrast and stand out against the neutrality of the walls, bringing dynamism and vibrancy. However, they do not disrupt the overall harmony.
On the facades of both homes, stone walls were incorporated. These not only enrich the material palette but also reinforce the geometric intent of the design, functioning as baseboards or terminations for the walls.
This choice of materials serves a practical function as well—stone helps protect the walls from rain. In the vehicular access area, gray stone floors were maintained, preserving a robust and resistant texture.
Finally, the metal elements were painted in a neutral green tone, blending functionality and aesthetics without overpowering the composition.
The house as an experience.
De las Formas house is an example of how architecture can go beyond functionality—it becomes a lived experience. It is a place where every corner sparks curiosity. The simplicity of its forms invites exploration. The design responds to everyday life with intelligence and sensitivity.
This house reflects how architecture can foster well-being, creating a genuine and meaningful connection between space and its inhabitants.
