Z-Haus by Atelier Waechter

With a design strategy that seeks to maximize outdoor living space and minimize the footprint of the building, the Casa-Z, winner of the AIA Portland Design Award – Built Citation 2010, consists of two semi-detached houses built in an area of 15 x 30m. Waechter Atelier thought into the design to each home, 6-shaped rooms that are outdated in each half flat and followed by a series of stairs to hang half.

From every room you can see simultaneously the next level up and down vertically uniting all living spaces. With one room per level, the halls are obsolete and the use of square meters is maximized. Sliding wall panels are used to replace conventional doors and keep the free space, providing privacy when needed and allowing for change, according to the needs and family size. This organization creates a zig-zag pattern in the section, which is why it takes the name of Casa-Z.

The six rooms are arranged around a central core containing meacánicas pumping functions for the house. The kitchen, bathrooms, laundry and mechanical room are located within this core. This central organization allows a vertical connection and natural ventilation through the roof, highlighted only by the white openings recessed windows.