Inspired by the Paula Rego Museum, projected by Eduardo Souto de Moura, in Cascais (Portugal), the HW Studio team designed this project in detail, seeking to convey a sense of serenity and calm through a play between light and space.

“We have carefully explored how to capture the downward light, creating an immersive experience that aims to touch those who enter the house, just as we were touched.”

The architecture studio embraced this project as an excavation exercise, carving out a space in the shape of a ‘Purépecha barn’, also known as a Troje - a structure for storing corn used by the indigenous peoples of Michoacán (Mexico). The interior of the house is clad in wood, seeking to reinforce this concept and make it more evocative of these traditional constructions, with a sense of respect for culture.

Located on a small site, the architects paid special attention to issues related to lighting and ventilation and the efficient use of space. An access corridor was designed at the front of the house to allow entry, concealing the roof.

In the centre of the building, an open space houses the social areas - the living room, dining room and kitchen - without the presence of closed rooms that hinder communication between areas. The appliances and the pantry are camouflaged, as are the spiral staircases leading to the first floor.

On the upper floor are the bathroom and bedroom, on the mezzanine. This is a significant space in the project, as it is the only element in the house with a different materiality - a white volume that floats inside the building. This choice of material was aimed at blurring the presence of this floor and making it lighter like cotton hovering in space.

The Casa Emma project invites immersion in a world where light awakens emotions and encourages contemplation.