Photo: Ger van der Vlugt © All rights reserved. Courtesy by Casanova + Hernandez Architecten

© Casanova+hernandez Architects . Published on July 20, 2007.

Within an enclosed intimate urban courtyard, limited by detached housing and a green area, near the downtown, three freestanding “patio-villa” and a small playground area have to be built.

Photo: Ger van der Vlugt © All rights reserved. Courtesy by Casanova + Hernandez Architecten

© Casanova+hernandez Architects . Published on July 20, 2007.

FOLDING THE WALL

Photo: Ger van der Vlugt © All rights reserved. Courtesy by Casanova + Hernandez Architecten

© Casanova+hernandez Architects . Published on July 20, 2007.

The proposal seeks to colonize the space between built elements, gardens and nature by using a �flexible� element that will allow to design not only the new individual housing themselves, but also the private, semi-public and public spaces that surroud them.

Photo: Ger van der Vlugt © All rights reserved. Courtesy by Casanova + Hernandez Architecten

© Casanova+hernandez Architects . Published on July 20, 2007.

By using this strategy it will be avoided to build only three free standing housing with no connection with their surroundings.

Image: Casanova + Hernandez Architecten © All rights reserved.

© Casanova+hernandez Architects . Published on July 20, 2007.

A wooden wall folds itself to create the villas, the patios, gardens and urban elements, enclosing different spaces with different “atmospheres”.

Image: Casanova + Hernandez Architecten © All rights reserved.

© Casanova+hernandez Architects . Published on July 20, 2007.

It defines an “interior landscape”, sheltered from the urban life.

Image: concept - P.Klee. Casanova + Hernandez Architecten © All rights reserved.

© Casanova+hernandez Architects . Published on July 20, 2007.

The villa contains a sculptural volume that shelters kitchen, bathrooms and storage rooms. This “sculpture” faces a double height living room.

Photo: Ger van der Vlugt © All rights reserved. Courtesy by Casanova + Hernandez Architecten

© Casanova+hernandez Architects . Published on July 20, 2007.

The living room can be completely open towards the patio and the garden in summertime, becoming part of the outside landscape.

Photo: Ger van der Vlugt © All rights reserved. Courtesy by Casanova + Hernandez Architecten

© Casanova+hernandez Architects . Published on July 20, 2007.

Between the core and the skin of the house a continuous and flexible space is limited. This space will be designed according to the specific requirements of each future user.

Photo: Ger van der Vlugt © All rights reserved. Courtesy by Casanova + Hernandez Architecten

© Casanova+hernandez Architects . Published on July 20, 2007.

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Photo: Ger van der Vlugt © All rights reserved. Courtesy by Casanova + Hernandez Architecten

© Casanova+hernandez Architects . Published on July 20, 2007.

This project appeared on europaconcorsi home page slideshow dedicated to dutch architecture. The series was realized in cooperation with Miguel Loos. We thank him for his help, kindness and professional advice.

Photo: Ger van der Vlugt © All rights reserved. Courtesy by Casanova + Hernandez Architecten

© Casanova+hernandez Architects . Published on July 20, 2007.

Photo: Ger van der Vlugt © All rights reserved. Courtesy by Casanova + Hernandez Architecten

© Casanova+hernandez Architects . Published on July 20, 2007.