This contemporary home design by Metrópolis Oficina de Arquitectura is a nod to the work of influential avant-garde architect Mies Van der Rohe. Taking lead from Van der Rohe’s notorious aphorism “less is more”, Casa Lineal utilizes simple, clean lines and open spaces throughout the design. Situated in Lima, Peru, the 840 square meter single storey was brought to completion in 2016.
The main idea behind the L-shaped house was to create controlled views, whether by isolating areas or by creating linearity. Structured around three horizontal blocks, columns dividing walls of glass as well as large blocks of stone veneer define the spaces.
Wooden floors paired with clean white ceilings beneath a flat roof pursue the trademark style of Van der Rohe: rectilinear and planar forms, a natural color palette and the extension from one space to another.
The extension of spaces from one to another is set off right from the start. The dramatic stone veneer wall stretches from the home’s exterior all the way inside at the entrance, literally bringing the outdoors in.
Inside, a small atrium garden with a ceiling hole forges another indoor to outdoor connection. More than that, all the sides looking out to the backyard, pool and terrace are fully glazed, creating interaction with nature as well as allowing plenty of natural light to pour in throughout the day.
At the back of the house, the living room’s floor to ceiling glass doors slide fully open to the backyard. At the end, the modern flat roof overhang is climate sensitive; the overhang offers protection from rain and shade during hot days while at the same time allows beams of sunlight to flow through its cut out circular shapes.
A private outdoor swimming pool lies in the middle of the backyard. It is surrounded by a light cream hued stone pathway, which circles around the building.
A staircase made of natural stones leads down to a basement. For this space, the team at Metrópolis Oficina de Arquitectura designed a long corridor that breaks up into separate bedrooms and service areas.
The natural materials of stone and wood used for the architectural composition of Casa Lineal mirror and embrace the beauty of South America’s tropical land.
