TNA architects plans an inverted pyramidal structure for solo houses

TNA — the tokyo-based firm led by makoto takei and chie nabeshima — is the latest architecture studio to reveal plans for a residence to be built in the spanish region of matarraña. following in the footsteps of office KGDVS, pezo von ellrichshausen, and johnston marklee, the scheme forms part of christian bourdais’ solo houses project — and initiative that asks a new wave of architecture practices to populate the remote spanish landscape with small resort-style dwellings.

exterior images of the scheme reflect a previous version of the design
image courtesy of solo houses

makoto takei and chie nabeshima’s design for solo houses appears as an upside down concrete pyramid that has been partially sunken into the rural terrain. large apertures provide the home with daylight and ventilation, while internal living spaces are organized around a series of mezzanines or platforms, set at different heights. as the property is embedded into the sloping topography, guests enter at the dwelling’s intermediate storey — an elevated platform that overlooks the dining area below.

the earlier design concept included a swimming pool adjacent to the property
image courtesy of solo houses

at this lower level, a large window overlooks the surrounding forest, while a passageway provides access to the adjacent kitchen and pantry. another staircases leads to a separate mezzanine, which hosts a living room that also overlooks the level below. three bedrooms are joined by a lounge at the larger uppermost storey, with all four rooms sharing a direct connection with a centrally positioned swimming pool. exterior renderings of the project (shown above) reflect an earlier design concept, with a pool adjacent to the property also embedded into the landscape. see other designs unveiled as part of the solo houses initiative here.

a large window overlooks the surrounding forest
image courtesy of makoto takei + chie nabeshima / TNA