Murrillo 1665 housing in Montevideo, Uruguay – Photo by Reinaldo Coser, courtesy of Estudio Santiago Fernandez + Candida Tabet Arquitetura.
Architecture – Uruguayan architect Santiago Fernandez teamed up with Brazilian architect Candida Tabet to complete Murillo 1665, a residential project featuring 200-sqm duplex houses surrounded by nature in the Uruguayan capital. “The challenge of this project was to position the five houses in a lot while imposing minimal interference with its existing wooded surroundings, thus maximizing its harmony with nature.” Explain the architects.
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Murillo 1665 cross-shape plan allows keeping majestic trees adjacent to each house as well as guaranteeing flow and natural illumination. “This procedure resulted in an interesting rhythm, where identical houses would have a distinct look from every viewpoint.” Explain Estudio Santiago Fernandez + Candida Tabet Arquitetura.
The early 20th-century architecture of the Carrasco neighbourhood, one of Montevideo’s greener and wealthier barrios, inspired the shed-style roofing and the emphasis on ethically responsible outdoor living with landscaped gardens. The building’s facades in corrugated charcoal gray sheets, wood, white plaster, and glass dialogue with the native vegetation.
On the ground level, the living and dining rooms overlook an outdoor patio made of repurposed stones from the old house. Here, a BBQ grill is the main star. An exterior wooden paneled volume encases the kitchen and laundry area.
The building’s central volume nests the TV room, a bathroom, and the stairs leading to the second floor. Here, three full suites are connected by a mezzanine-style family room. A double-height glass wall offering views of the abundant outdoor vegetation provides cross ventilation and thus keeps the air fresh and well-circulated through the house.
To resolve thermal insulation, the architects utilized double glass panels with solar protection; and on the façade – either wood or corrugated sheeting – purposely leaving a gap between it and the steel frame.
All photos of Murrillo 1665 are by Reinaldo Coser, courtesy of Estudio Santiago Fernandez + Candida Tabet Arquitetura.
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