Interview about House of Tubes Residential , winner of the A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award 2021
The project is the fusion of two buildings, an abandoned one from the 70's with the building from the current era and the element that was designed to unite them is the pool. It is a project that has two main uses, the 1st as a residence for a family of 5 members, the 2nd as an art museum, with wide areas and high walls to receive more than 300 people. The design copies the back mountain shape, the city's iconic mountain. Only 3 finishes with light tones are used in the project to make the spaces shine through the natural light that is projected on the walls, floors and ceilings.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe pool was originally the last of the cylindrical structures from the old construction, and we chose to make it the junction point with the new building. Architecturally, it became the element that divides the intimate areas from the social spaces, serving as both a physical and functional separator within the residence.Beyond its structural role, the pool holds a symbolic significance. The water represents a process of purification, washing away the myths and haunting stories that surrounded the old building and transforming it into a space of peace and tranquility for the new family. By repurposing this cylinder into a serene, central feature, it bridges the past and present while redefining the building’s narrative into one of harmony and renewal.
For everyone living in Monterrey, Mount Silla is much more than a natural landmark; it is a symbol of pride, identity, and belonging. Designing a residence that mirrors its iconic silhouette was an intentional choice to create a deep emotional connection for its inhabitants, allowing them to feel truly at home. The architecture not only pays homage to the mountain’s grandeur but also integrates its essence into daily life.From the main windows of the house, residents can enjoy breathtaking views of the hill at all hours of the day. The morning sun bathes it in golden light, creating a serene and inspiring start to the day, while in the evening, the mountain glows in front of the setting sun, becoming a living piece of art. This thoughtful connection between the built environment and the natural landscape enhances the sense of harmony and tranquility, turning the home into a sanctuary that celebrates both the beauty of nature and the cultural pride of Monterrey.
The decision to limit House of Tubes to three light-toned finishes stems from a philosophy of creating spaces that serve as a canvas for the intangible. By embracing simplicity, the residence becomes a stage for the interplay of natural light and shadow, where every hour of the day offers a unique composition—a living artwork in constant evolution. This minimalist approach allows the sun to sculpt the interiors, turning light itself into an ever-changing element of design.The chosen tones—earth, wood, and white—are not merely aesthetic choices; they represent a deeper pursuit of harmony. These colors reflect a desire to strip away excess and return to essentials, fostering an atmosphere of peace, introspection, and connection to the natural world. This restraint transforms the home into more than a residence; it becomes a meditative space where the boundaries between art, life, and architecture dissolve.
Balancing the dual purpose of House of Tubes as a family home and an art museum required a design approach that merged functionality with subtlety. A key element was the innovative use of furniture as hidden doors, seamlessly dividing private living spaces from public areas. This clever solution not only ensures the privacy of the residents but also creates the illusion that nothing exists beyond these pieces, preserving the home’s minimalist aesthetic and sense of mystery.Private areas were carefully shielded from the flow of visitors, offering tranquility and intimacy for the family, while the museum spaces were designed to accommodate up to 300 guests without disrupting the home’s harmony. The interplay of openness and concealment, along with the house’s cohesive architectural language, ensures that both functions coexist effortlessly. The result is a space that celebrates duality, blending private life with cultural enrichment in a seamless and inspiring way.
The sustainability features of House of Tubes were designed to harmonize with the natural environment while minimizing the residence’s ecological footprint. Solar panels were strategically integrated to harness Monterrey’s abundant sunlight, providing a renewable energy source that powers much of the home’s daily needs. Rainwater harvesting systems were incorporated to capture and repurpose one of the region’s most precious resources, emphasizing water conservation in a city where it is vital.The double-layer drywall system reflects a deeper commitment to thermal efficiency and energy savings. This innovative approach enhances insulation, reducing reliance on artificial cooling or heating while maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures year-round.These elements are not just functional but also symbolic of a broader philosophy: architecture must not only serve those who inhabit it but also respect and protect the environment it occupies. House of Tubes stands as a testament to how thoughtful design can align luxury living sustainability.
Transforming House of Tubes from an abandoned structure into a harmonious blend of old and new was a journey full of unexpected discoveries and challenges. One of the most significant revelations was uncovering the structural integrity of the original cylindrical forms, which inspired us to retain and celebrate their geometry rather than demolish them. These elements became the foundation for creating a dialogue between the past and the present.A major challenge arose in integrating modern functionality into the older framework without compromising its character. For example, adapting the existing layout to meet contemporary needs required innovative solutions, such as designing multi-functional furniture that concealed private spaces or provided storage without disrupting the minimalist aesthetic.Additionally, the emotional weight of the building’s history—once a source of myths and haunting stories—was a unique factor. This motivated us to infuse the design with elements like the central pool, symbolizing renewal and transformation, and ensuring the residence would become a place of light, peace, and creativity. These challenges ultimately enriched the project, allowing us to craft a space that transcends time and narrative.
The design of House of Tubes was deeply influenced by the artistic legacy of its residents. The husband, a renowned sculptor in the city, and the wife, a former internationally acclaimed dancer, brought a profound appreciation for art and movement that became central to the concept.This understanding inspired the creation of spaces that are not only functional but also serve as a canvas for artistic expression. Large, open areas were designed to showcase the sculptor’s works, providing both the scale and lighting necessary to highlight their detail and form. At the same time, the flow of the interiors was choreographed to reflect the grace and fluidity of dance, ensuring that movement through the space feels natural and dynamic.The versatility of these areas allows them to seamlessly transition between intimate family moments and grand cultural events, embodying the duality of the family’s lifestyle. This approach ensures the home is not just a residence but also a living celebration of art, creativity, and the unique identity of its inhabitants
The pool in House of Tubes serves as much more than a visual or aesthetic feature; it was intentionally designed to play a pivotal role in shaping the psychological and emotional experience of the space. Positioned as the physical and symbolic threshold between the historic and contemporary areas, the pool marks a transition from one era to another, inviting reflection and renewal.Its circular design was no coincidence; the perfect circle symbolizes both perfection and infinity, a form without beginning or end. This timeless geometry not only complements the cylindrical forms of the original structure but also evokes a sense of balance, unity, and continuity. The pool’s reflective surface amplifies this symbolism by mirroring the architecture and sky, creating an interplay that transcends the physical space.Walking alongside or viewing the pool becomes an almost meditative experience, encouraging a moment of introspection. The circle, as a representation of eternity, transforms the pool into a bridge that harmonizes the duality of the residence, grounding its occupants in a sense of timelessness, serenity, and infinite possibility.
House of Tubes reinforced my belief that the old should not be discarded but rather integrated with the new. Just as our ancestors are an essential part of our culture and identity, buildings carry their own stories and ask to be brought into the present with respect and creativity. This philosophy guided every decision in the project, where preservation was not about freezing the past but about giving it new relevance within a contemporary context.The duality of time experienced in a space that combines elements and materials from different eras is profoundly enriching. It reminds us of the continuity between past and present, creating a layered narrative that deepens our connection to the environment. For me, this project highlighted the beauty of honoring history while addressing modern needs, proving that architecture can be both a bridge to our heritage and a reflection of our evolving aspirations.
House of Tubes stands as a testament to the potential of architecture to transcend its immediate function and contribute meaningfully to the cultural landscape. By combining a private residence with a public art space, it creates a unique dialogue between personal and collective experiences. For Monterrey, it offers a space where art, history, and modernity converge, fostering a deeper appreciation for both the city’s architectural heritage and its creative future.The residence demonstrates that adaptive reuse projects can honor the past while serving contemporary needs, showcasing how forgotten structures can be revitalized to enrich their surroundings. It also offers a lesson in versatility—proving that spaces can fulfill multiple purposes without sacrificing intimacy or functionality.Looking forward, I hope this project inspires similar initiatives in Monterrey and beyond, encouraging architects and communities to see potential in the old, to embrace history, and to innovate with purpose. House of Tubes is more than a home; it’s a cultural bridge, a living example of how architecture can shape not just spaces, but the way we connect with our past and envision our future.
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