Design concept and solution:

A minimal material palette defines the aesthetic of this house, with exposed concrete walls and ceiling punctuated by small glass incisions. There is no air-conditioning system in the house, and except for the three enclosed bedrooms, the rest of the house is a 32-foot-high open space dominated by a white and gray palette of exposed concrete. The double-height space, along with a special coating of heat resistant membrane on the external roof surface and plenty of climbing plants around the exterior—plants that will soon grow to the roof—counter the heat-trapping qualities of concrete in this tropical climate.

Conceived and executed during the construction period, the concrete slide more than fulfills the five-year-olds’ fantasy and also serves as a curiosity for passersby. The slide has become a favorite place to play for a group of middle age ladies who regularly meet at the house—a natural ice breaker to start an endless conversation. At night, it turns into a beacon when internal light penetrates up from inside through the glass circular hole on top.

The house has now become a play destination for both children and adults in the neighborhood. The oldest person to slide was a 78-year-old woman, while the youngest was a three-year-old girl; both of who carried the same joyful smile after completing the short journey.

Total construction cost:
$70,500