DQ House: A Testament to Minimalist Architecture

Alberto Torres' Award-Winning Design Balances Sobriety and Simplicity

The DQ House, designed by Alberto Torres and his team, is an embodiment of balance and rigor. The design inspiration stemmed from the desire to create an architectural object that is both sober and simple. The materials used in the construction of the house are displayed in their purest form, without any intermediaries, reflecting a commitment to authenticity.

What sets the DQ House apart is its unique structure. The residence is essentially a large rectangular brick prism resting on concrete slabs that organize the spaces. Volumes are subtracted from this prism to create openings and balconies on the second floor. The ground floor is enclosed by glass planes, maintaining transparency and the interior/exterior relation, resulting in a fluid, warm, and dynamic interior space, flooded with natural light.

The technology, materials, and manpower employed in the construction of the DQ House are conventional and traditionally used in the region, showcasing a respect for local production. The house covers a built area of 660.00 square meters, providing ample space for comfortable living.

The DQ House is designed to facilitate a clear separation between the intimate and social areas. The intimate area is isolated on the upper deck in the solid block of bricks, contrasting with the fluid social life on the ground floor. The upper floor is distributed in two separate cores, one for the couple and the other for the children, connected by a footbridge. A void in the staircase integrates the two floors, generating a wide and illuminated circulation area.

The DQ House project was initiated in 2016 and completed in 2018. One of the key challenges faced during the design process was to create a volume that meets the expectations of the family, maximizes connection with nature and the lake in front, without compromising on privacy. The design team successfully overcame this challenge, resulting in a residence that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and comfortable.

In conclusion, the DQ House is a testament to minimalist architecture, showcasing how simplicity and sobriety can result in a design that is both unique and functional. The house's award-winning design is a reflection of Alberto Torres' commitment to balance, rigor, and authenticity in architecture.