CONTEXT

I had known the clients- he a successful entrepreneur and she Panama´s most renowned classical violinist- for several years, having travelled together repeatedly along the southern Pacific coast of the Azuero Peninsula searching for a site where they could build a home and make a life-changing move from the city. So by the time they had acquired the hilltop site overlooking the ocean to the south and we finally stood together thrilling at the sight of humpback whales breaching within swimming distance of the beach, it was clear that the house should open out to the constantly changing marine spectacle while providing a more mediated, protected spatial delineation towards the access road and entrance courtyard to the north. In this manner, an “L” shaped plan was devised, where the common areas were organized in one wing, extending east to west and facing south to the ocean and north to the entrance courtyard. The second wing, extending north to south and facing east and west, would contain the music studio/ guest room, storage and garage. All of these spaces, with the exception of the mezzanine studio, would be organized on one level, raised above the undulating terrain. The central communal space, comprised of the main entrance, living room and mezzanine studio, would rise above the house in a double height cubic structure protruding through the roof and connect to a massive open air deck that would “float” above the hillside and allow unimpeded views to the ocean.

PERFORMANCE

Evidence that the house has met the expectations of the owners can be found in their own words. In that regard, Daniel Suaya wrote: “As did the land before, the house now talks to us, invites us to reflect, to think, to feel. It transmits emotions to us, illuminates us with the light that the sun reflects according to the time of day, and transforms itself into a sanctuary open to the forest and the sea, connecting us to our own being, to nature and the ecosystem of which we are part.” And Graciela Nuñez adds: “As I walked towards the site where the house would be built and saw the sea, I was for a moment speechless. The sea in all its extension, with all its power, beauty and sounds led me peacefully into a communion with nature. I continue to feel that same sensation of peace and communion with nature every time we enter our marvelous home, since we feel that we are part of the nature that surrounds us. I feel that I am sea, I feel that I am the giant Corotú, I feel that I am a fresh, free breeze, that I am fertile earth. The house allows us to enjoy a sensation of freedom in every corner. There is a beautiful acoustic quality to the house that motivates me not only to play my violin but also inspires me, along with all of nature´s sounds, to compose organic and sinuous melodies and rhythms.”