It's a real achievement to make concrete look light, and the improbable effect has been mastered by the Casa en Pocafarina in Girona, Spain. A view from anywhere around the perimeter of the residence reveals a solid cement-based structure that appears to float above the sloping site.
The illusion's success rests on an open foundation that carves its way from a driveway into a subterranean garage, left uncovered and enclosed by the reinforced hill. A heavy cross-shaped mass was then set on just four pillars, reducing its points of contact and deceiving the eye into thinking it does not touch down at all.
Hidalgo Hartman Architecture turned an industrial material elegant in the Casa en Pocafarina, proudly leaving every brutal surface exposed throughout the abode's interior.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Floating Structures
- There is an opportunity to design and construct buildings that give the illusion of floating, creating a visually striking and unique architectural experience.
- Lightweight Concrete
- Development of lightweight concrete materials can offer innovative solutions for creating structures that appear heavy but are actually lightweight, leading to improved efficiency and design possibilities.
- Open Foundation Design
- Exploring open foundation designs can create opportunities for creating visually stunning buildings that seem to defy gravity, pushing the boundaries of traditional architectural practices.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Construction
- The construction industry can leverage the trend of floating structures and lightweight concrete materials to offer unique and customizable architectural solutions.
- Architecture
- Architects can embrace open foundation designs to create visually impressive and environmentally conscious buildings that challenge traditional architectural norms.
- Interior Design
- Interior designers can explore ways to enhance the appeal of exposed concrete surfaces, incorporating it as a design element to create modern and industrial aesthetics.
