If we think to mid century modern architecture or interiors our mind probably first goes to western locations as California or North Europe, but I think it is interesting to see how this style influenced architects all over the world.
That’s why today I want to share with you a mid century modern furnished house in the last place on hearth where I would have imagined to find one: Havana, Cuba.
The tropical Cuba’s climate together with its extroverted way of life made patios, porticoes, and persiennes the most common features for houses and one of the major elements of Cuba’s architectural legacy. During the mid century modern period Cuban architects decided to reinterpret these elements.
Among all of them, the architect Frank Martinez was able to achieve the perfect synthesis between the so called International Style and the Cuban tradition. This house -designed for the Perez Farfante family in 1955- is a very good example of his unique style that successfully combined the Corbusian simplicity and the traditional Cuban architecture.
The house articulates on two levels with the open ground floor -set upon a clifftop- being an extended porch. The floor-to-ceiling wooden louvers and panes of glass follow the lines of the windows while providing cross-ventilation and natural light.
The floor plan is identical for both apartments that have terrazzo floors, exposed-concrete blocks, and wood paneling where works of Cuban artists are displayed. Separating the living spaces from the bedrooms using traditional elements, proofs that form can follow function without being an obstacle to cultural identity as many other mid century modern architects proved.
The photos in this post come from the perfect book where finding inspiration for your house 100 Interiors Around the World. Amazing houses from all over the world in two XL volumes…check it here or click the pic below.
