Throughout the history, we always reached towards the skies and built thousands of towers around the globe. The idea of living in the heights attracts many of us and this attraction will probably never die. Tall buildings and high-rises can take many shapes and come in various sizes based on the architects' and clients' philosophies and needs. Arco is a recently completed housing project in Concepcion, Chile that was inspired by skyscrapers as well.
Our credit goes to art and architecture studio Pezo von Ellrichshausen that designed this sleek glass tower. Although the budget was modest, Mauricio Pezo and Sofia von Ellrichshausen made the new owners, an artist couple very happy. Arco stands on a tiny concrete plinth and resembles a mini-skyscraper with its three steel-framed levels. This house replaces the previous one that collapsed during the severe earthquake in 2010. The structure's flexibility, transparency, purity and symmetry are beautifully highlighted by the Chilean architects. With its simple shape Arco really stand outs and shows the conventional neighbors the beauty of two basic materials: glass and steel. There are six rooms in the house that are all connected to a central staircase made from folded steel plates. Dark wooden floors are used extensively throughout the home, which match perfectly with the white curtains. Connection with the surrounding suburban landscape and nature is permanent which makes the house so unique as well. All in all, Arco is a remarkable and emotional response to earthquakes that can unfortunately devastate so many lives and buildings, while at the same time offer opportunities to new and bright beginnings.
