Dezeen Magazine

Textile House in Paracas by Ghezzi Novak

Textile House in Peru by Ghezzi Novak has concrete walls informed by woven fibres

Architecture studio Ghezzi Novak has completed this house on Peru's coast with weathered concrete blocks it describes as like "fibres weaved into a fabric".

Textile House in Paracas by Ghezzi Novak

Textile House is situated on a level site that provides views of the distant desert and ocean landscapes in Paracas. The Peruvian coastal town is known for its rich cultural heritage, including its textiles.

Textile House in Paracas by Ghezzi Novak

The Lima studio chose concrete blocks to echo the pattern and texture of woven fabrics to the geometric residence.

Textile House in Paracas by Ghezzi Novak

"For us, the fascinating textile legacy the Paracas culture left behind is a remarkable stimulus, and an opportunity to navigate beyond a merely formal pre-Columbian narrative," Ghezzi Novak said.

Textile House in Paracas by Ghezzi Novak

"We treat the constructive system as a textile," the studio added. "The concrete blocks are fibres weaved into a fabric that internally resolves technical and structural components to exploit its spatial and tactile qualities."

A cylindrical volume concealing a spiralling wood staircase protrudes from the rooftop, which houses a jacuzzi, pool and gardens.

Textile House in Paracas by Ghezzi Novak

The studio has oriented the layout towards the south and used rough materials and plant boxes to curtail the intense winds of the coastal region. Hermetic openings around the entrances block the nearby desert sand from entering the house.

Metal roofing spans over a series of wood beams and planks to form shaded areas over the outdoor kitchen and living areas located on the rooftop terrace.

Textile House in Paracas by Ghezzi Novak

Large glass windows and sliding doors arranged across the house's facade brighten the dim, grey interiors and allow for views of the picturesque surroundings.

"The concrete block is the material expression of the house; its cool and dim interior contrasts with the intensely bright sunny exterior," it added.

Textile House in Paracas by Ghezzi Novak

Inside, the bare concrete walls are paired with mottled concrete floors and wood accents. These include the spiral staircase that leads to the rooftop, the beams and planks that extend across the ceiling and a series of doors.

On the ground floor, a curving wall cuts through the interior to section off five bedrooms. Each of the bedrooms is fronted with a sliding glass door that opens onto a private patio.

In addition to the raised pools and gardens, a full kitchen and large lounge area occupy the roof terrace.

Textile House in Paracas by Ghezzi Novak

White appliances with black hardware stand out against the concrete walls and freestanding counter in the kitchen. A small fireplace and cubby for logs puncture the wall in the living room.

Ghezzi Novak was founded by Arturo and Gustavo Ghezzi Novak. Its other projects include a collaboration with Blanco to design Mérito, a restaurant decorated with natural materials to reflect the country's food.

Textile House in Paracas by Ghezzi Novak

Other residences in Peru include a clifftop villa that matches the hues of the Peruvian desert and a seaside residence Marina Vella constructed with stone from a nearby mountain.

Photography is by Iván Salinero.


Project credits:

Architects: Arturo Ghezzi Novak and Gustavo Ghezzi Novak
Collaborator: Daniella Dibos de Tramontana

More images and plans

Textile House in Paracas by Ghezzi Novak Ground Floor Plan
Ground floor plan
Textile House in Paracas by Ghezzi Novak First Floor Plan
Roof floor plan
Textile House in Paracas by Ghezzi Novak
Textile House in Paracas by Ghezzi Novak
Textile House in Paracas by Ghezzi Novak
Textile House in Paracas by Ghezzi Novak
Textile House in Paracas by Ghezzi Novak
Textile House in Paracas by Ghezzi Novak
Textile House in Paracas by Ghezzi Novak
Textile House in Paracas by Ghezzi Novak
Textile House in Paracas by Ghezzi Novak
Textile House in Paracas by Ghezzi Novak
Textile House in Paracas by Ghezzi Novak
Textile House in Paracas by Ghezzi Novak