The reinterpretation of the industrial typology was achieved by a sequence of three-dimensional porticos, made of smooth rebars, serving as guides for the growth of several species of vines that, when growing rapidly, define a double height space, a “shed”, and , at the same time, shade the leisure area and the office, creating a tropical, airy and refreshing microclimate. The vines grow from flower boxes on both sides of the plot, where a pre-existing tree was also preserved, leaving the center of the plot completely free for any occupation. The speed with which the vines grew ensured a quick use of shaded play area, even though it was very exposed to the harsh equatorial afternoon sun. Moreover, the landscape design turned this project into a “productive” landscape, since most of the species used here are PANCs (non-conventional food plants): skyvine, inchplant, wild ginger, arrowleaf elephant ear, passion fruit vine, arrowroot, etc.


On the front, the leisure area is hidden behind a hollowed-out facade of massive bricks that let the prevailing winds pass and discreetly reveal the depth of the lot without revealing all its details. The leisure area consists of a table with integrated barbecue, an area with shower and hammocks, in addition to a small swimming pool. This leisure area works both for the house on the neighboring and interconnected lot where the owners live, as well as a lounge area for the office located at the back of the lot. In practice, the leisure area table also became a meeting and/or work space adapted to the post-pandemic “new normal” because it is airy and outdoors.

At the back of the lot, the archeology office occupies the central span with work and meeting tables, while a solid brick wall winds between interior and exterior to define the gardens and technical spaces (bathroom, pantry, storage) on the sides of the lot. This snaking solid brick wall is either hollow to ensure cross-ventilation, or closed to define closed spaces or prevent cross-views from openings in the neighboring walls. The double height of part of the office allows for more light and spaciousness in this plot of just over 5m wide. Openings to the gardens on both sides complement the issue of luminosity in addition to allowing cross ventilation of all the office environments.