Ambiguity and Transparency —
A Dialogue with the River Marina

Ambiguity and Transparency —
A Dialogue with the River Marina

This single-family residence, situated on a sloped terrain overlooking a river marina, presents a fascinating study in architectural ambiguity. The design strategically avoids easy categorization, particularly in its treatment of the public spaces. These areas are enveloped by an abstract concrete volume, its fenestration deliberately eschewing conventional solutions. This calculated ambiguity effectively obscures a definitive reading of the building's function, prompting a more nuanced engagement with the architecture. The monolithic presence of the concrete form acts as a counterpoint to the more transparent and permeable ground floor.
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The ground level, in contrast to the robust upper volume, embraces transparency. Extensive glazing blurs the traditional boundaries between interior and exterior, fostering a seamless transition between the built environment and the dynamic activity of the marina. This sense of openness is further accentuated by the consistent use of travertine both inside and out. The shared materiality creates a continuous visual plane, extending the perceived space and dissolving the distinction between the constructed and natural worlds. The result is an "open travertine landscape," a term that aptly captures the project's core concept. The house doesn't simply occupy the landscape; it becomes an integral part of it, engaging in a subtle dialogue with the rhythms of the river and the marina. This project demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of material, light, and form, creating a residence that is as enigmatic as it is inviting, offering both a sense of refuge and a connection to the lively waterfront.