Two rising stars in the architectural world—husband-and-wife duo José Selgas and Lucía Cano of Selgascano— show how less is often better than more when it comes to the built environment.
Selgascano’s motto could very well be “less is more”, just like German-American architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s emblematic aphorism. But rather than a minimalist modernist ethic, José Selgas and Lucía Cano’s vision of architecture is all about lightweight materials, transparency, openness and respect for nature. The relation and experience with the site—its history, climate and architecture—are also key factors. “Our hope for architecture is to build less and to give more space to nature in cities,” says Selgas. “Hopefully, we will see less construction. Scale is super-important for us and we don’t understand why buildings have to be as big as they are.”
As Selgas explains, the firm’s architectural approach prioritises its creative freedom while working with eco-conscious materials. “It’s fundamental to be super-free in every step of architecture,” says Selgas. “The main constraint that you have is the budget—if you know how to manage the budget, you can do whatever you want. We’re not trying to use only new materials like plastics; we have the freedom to use whatever material we want. It’s the same with colour. When we suddenly use yellow, we get noticed because it’s unusual. That freedom to be open to everything is the main philosophy of the studio.”
ORGANISED CHAOS
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Denne historien er fra February - March 2018-utgaven av Singapore Tatler Homes.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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ELEMENTS OF MIRÓ
The vivacious, eclectic and emotive work of artist Joan Miró inspired this apartment design by PI Architects
A MEETING OF HAIVES
SuMisura crafts a perfectly personalised family home that incorporates a couple's disparate design preferences harmoniously
ALL THAT GLITTERS
The Poroda House by Makhno Studio blends classic and contemporary influences to reinterpret the golden age of cinema with all the sophistication and none of the pomp of the bygone era
The Art of the Bespoke
At The Residences at W on Sentosa Island, interior design firm Chalked masterfully crafted distinctive interiors for its Flamingo lounge and multiple residential units, including a ground-floor and a penthouse apartment, each showcasing its full potential through innovative design and thoughtful functionality
CURATING NARRATIVES
Step inside the art-filled home of Krystina Lyon and Mark Budden, showcasing a deeply personal collection of contemporary Southeast Asian works and midcentury treasures
A Vibrant Kind of Comfort
Architology Interiors transforms a Singapore apartment into a stunning sanctuary using bold, statement-making furniture from Roche Bobois, resulting in a unique blend of style and comfort
THE SECOND RENAISSANCE
Refreshed by its original interior designer after two decades, this home harmoniously blends art and design into a cosy medley of colour and elegance
Tactile Futures
Delve into how architects are bridging the gap between time-honoured craftsmanship and high-tech design to uncover new possibilities for the built environment
Your Very Own Next-Door Paradise
Discover the allure of Anantara Desaru Coast Residences, where luxury meets the serene beauty of the Malaysian coastline, offering a breathtaking escape for discerning Singaporeans
All in the Family
With over 40 years of experience, Edmund Kok has built a legacy now carried forward by his sons. Together, they helm design firm Trace Design & Build, which excels at crafting luxurious, bespoke landed properties