sin_tesis_estudio tops small residential proposal in cuba with multiple brick vaults

settling within a rural environment in cuba, the ‘cloister house’ by sin_tesis_estudio emerges as a 10 sqm residential proposal with a central courtyard. the dwelling takes shape as a simple geometric volume with a distinctive brick vaulted roof, generating a quiet yet intriguing character. with this project, the architects seek to relate the uncertainty of living and the diverse ways of appropriation of space, through questioning pre-determined notions of inhabiting, and freely exploring the allocation of functions within the interior.  

all images courtesy of sin_tesis_estudio

in ‘cloister house’ by sin_tesis_estudio, the plasticity of the bricked vault technique makes it possible for diverse solutions and atmospheres to develop within. although the exterior adopts an overall simple appearance, the special roofing feature serves as a hint to the architecture of the interior. inside, the space becomes more complex due to the volume extraction in the patio area, and the tridimensional spatial richness that the vaulted roofs add.

the design forms an arrangement of different roofs, with each one responding to light, wind, and sound differently, thus forming a unique atmosphere. cracks on the dwelling’s facade are not added as complementary visual elements, but as a means to connect the dwelling with the natural surroundings. the materiality palette of the dwelling has been picked based on low cost, plasticity, and protective capacity, to articulate an interconnected living environment with an open configuration. 

project info:

name: cloister house
architects: sin_tesis_estudio
location: cuba

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom