WHITE O / TOYO ITO
PROJECT YEAR : 2009
LOCATION : MARBELLA, CHILE
PROJECT AREA : 370 sqm
The name of the house refers to one of the most respected Ito : White U, designed in Tokyo in 1976 to his sister. "Both houses are circular, but different" says the architect. "In White U gives the impression that one was living in a basement. Instead, White O is open to the outside and seems to float in space."
The house and site are composed together as a single continuous space, flowing along a spirel movement path, and centered on a partially enclosed garden. The approach to the house rises along the natural line of slope, drawing visitors toward the rear of the site. Within the inner garden, the slope becomes continuous with the floor of the house, and then flows around and up to the more private areas of the house.
Ascending a gentle ramp that wraps around the garden, the interior of the house makes a smooth transition to private area containing bedrooms. Floating above the ground, these spaces have complete privacy. The main floor is horizontally disposed at the western end, at an altitude of considerable height, facing the gently sloping site. Visitors walk in the room at the eastern end ascend the ramp to reach the entrance. With the exception of the garage and room service, located at ground level, all major rooms are located on the main floor, around the patio. Both the living room, dining room and bedrooms look east, overlooking the golf course.
The work complies with the requirement to use concrete as the main material.
