Venice House by Sebastian Mariscal Studio

Venice House fosters a dynamic relationship with its natural surroundings and encourages seamless transitions between interior and exterior realms. Within this residential context, Sebastian Mariscal Studio explores the role of voids in architecture and their intrinsic value while also examining the impact of human movement on shaping the spatial experience.

In an environment characterised by consistent temperatures throughout the year, the flexibility to open and close spaces in the home promotes passive energy consumption and fosters a connection with the natural surrounds. By treating indoor and outdoor areas as their own entities, it’s the seamless transition between them that cultivates a sense of openness and connectivity. As a result, the design approach for Venice House by Sebastian Mariscal Studio emphasises preservation of the existing landscape while incorporating additional greenery to enhance cooling effects and mitigate heat on site.

By treating indoor and outdoor areas as their own entities, it’s the seamless transition between them that cultivates a sense of openness and connectivity.

“In the cities and buildings [we inhabit], the value and life are found within the void,” remarks Sebastian Mariscal, director of Sebastian Mariscal Studio, “and not as a leftover but rather as a crafted human space.” It is through this perspective that the architect approaches Venice House, composing a form that maintain a sense of openness – an important element for the daily functions of the home. By blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces, the landscape is shaped into areas of retreat and sanctuary.

Wanting to create places for contemplation and reflection, Sebastian Mariscal Studio endeavours to depart from conventional methods in his practice. By exploring the integration of nature into residential settings and recognising the mutual advantages of doing so, the architect shapes the floor plan accordingly, with apertures reinforcing this connection. The notion of outdoor living serves as an underpinning principle, reducing the reliance on supplementary cooling systems and motivating occupants to fully inhabit the entirety of the site rather than seeking refuge in one area while looking towards another.

The notion of outdoor living serves as an underpinning principle, reducing the reliance on supplementary cooling systems and motivating occupants to fully inhabit the entirety of the site rather than seeking refuge in one area while looking towards another.

Due to Sebastian Mariscal Studio’s commitment to preserving both the new and existing landscape, Venice House emerges as a thoughtful addition to its surroundings. The architect is guided by the human experience, resulting in a balanced and considered home that fosters engagement.

Architecture, interior design and styling by Sebastian Mariscal Studio. Build by Michael Sylvester. Landscape design by Kiesel Design.