Design: Paz Arquitectura Date of design: 2020 Date of construction: 2021 Construction: DyC Electrical design: DyC Hydraulic design: DYC Photography: Andres Asturias
This project involves a new interpretation of a house originally built by renowned architect Amerigo Giracca in the 70’s. The original design involves elements of “mid century” architecture keeping an aesthetical and functional concept valid for today’s needs. However, the owners’ requirements and their family dynamics have evolved and they needed updating.
The social area was left intact except for the demolition of a wall that separated the kitchen from the dining room, obtaining larger spaces. The main change was in the bedroom area and the introduction of a large pergola. Considering that the original bedrooms were small, the solution was to build new ones and the original bedrooms were left for other uses. The new bedrooms were built in the garage area having access through a family room that opens completely toward the pergola, trying to link the family room activities to the exterior. The passageway to the bedrooms has a window toward the external areas of the house and is perpendicular to the family room, forming an L. the secondary bedrooms have a view over Guatemala City, while the main bedroom overlooks a tree that is large and of long life.
The surroundings consist of gardens and exuberant vegetation. The view of the social area is toward the garden and the mountains. Every area has a connection with nature.
The construction had to be executed quickly and lightly so the structure was all steel in its original color and was combined with wooden floors.