Mariana Palacios Vega Portfolio

MARIANA PALACIOS VEGA + PORTFOLIO

e-mail: marianaupdate@gmail.com cell-phone: +1 (917) 951 0085 New York / United States

Content

A compilation of my achievements as a professional Architect followed by the academic projects that molded me as a designer.

PROFESSIONAL WORK

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RESIDENTIAL PROJECT

SUSTAINABLE RESIDENCE

RECREATIONAL PROJECT

“El Alojon”

“La Rabija”

“Adobe” Cabin

This 8,600 square-foot house was born from the union of the imagination of the client, who had been picturing this dream house for years, and the architectural view of the designer...

.... This is a case study of a young couple and their little girl’s first home. “Rabija” is a colloquial Spanish word that refers to a residual piece of V-shaped land...

This small but cozy cabin has given a growing family a space to get together and share as well as being a space to retreat from the busy city life...

ACADEMIC WORK

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BUILDING + URBAN INT.

SHAPING A MOUNTAIN

BUILDING FOR THE TOWN

Thesis

Observatory

Mixed-use Building

The purpose of this project is to highlight the space concept understood as “place,” created by means of the human activities performed within...

The project integrates the mountain-like environment, starting at the observatory with a radial axis for the disposition of the program elements...

The intention of this project was to not interfere with the pure and beautiful landscape around the site...

PROFESSIO

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ONAL WORK

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“El Alojon” Where modernity meets nature

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RESIDENTIAL PROJECT 2014 - 2015 | QUITO, ECUADOR | ARCH. MARIANA PALACIOS VEGA

This 8,600 square-foot house was born from the union of the imagination of the client, who had been picturing this dream house for years, and the architectural view of the designer, who with a modern approach tried to fulfill all the demands while creating a coherent project.

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The first and most important challenge to be faced was creating a modern structure that would dialogue with the environment.

The two hectares of land had crucial aspects to keep in mind: a trail along an old stream (a feature the owner wanted to preserve), a natural ravine to the south, a deep canyon to the north that overlooked a neighboring valley, a hill that provided a magnificent view of the city, and lastly, big trees that had sheltered the terrain for years. After considering all of these qualities, the house was located on the hill, which allowed for a terraced design, strategic positioning of the trees, and the use of the old stream to frame the project. Because of the views and sun exposure, all the main apertures of the house would face east via the main front faรงade.

The proposal was to create a modern structure that with its clean lines would not disturb the environment. The idea here was not to mimic nature but to introduce new materials that would dialogue with nature in a new language. The chosen materials had to be modest enough to ensure that they would complement the magnificent environment, not invade it. The decision was therefore made to work with a light and versatile metal structure; concrete, the modern clay; glass that would let the outside into the house; and wood, in details such as pergolas.

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This house began as any project does, with the bones. As a main feature, in order to retain the concept of respecting the land, it was decided that the foundation would use piles to allow the house to rest on the land. This idea was inspired by an analysis of the theory behind Farnsworth House, the architectural masterpiece created by Mies van der Rohe. Much like this project, “El Alojon” would showcase the house’s structure, allowing it to be seen throughout the house, and creating flow between the exterior and interior. The metal columns and beams would serve more than a structural purpose – they were to become part of the image of the house.

“El Alojon would showcase the house’s structure”

Farnsworth House

Metal Structure: Metal beams and Colums anchor the house in a firm but delicate way (above the process)

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¨the metal web was carefully designed and submited to structural tests before starting production�

In terms of volume, simplicity was essential, so the project was divided into three main spaces. The first space would enclose the communal and social areas. Behind this, on the second level, you would find the private areas. Third, it was necessary to create a space to connect the previous two and support circulation. The house was born the moment these spaces of different heights were combined, forming a clear, horizontal connection to the land, but with enough detachment to create their own movement.

FRONT FACADE

RIGHT FACADE

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SOCIAL AREA

MASTER BED.

MAIN STAIRS

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GROUND FLOOR

Another design rule was functionality, which was required for the development of an open floor concept that would allow a big house like this to be navigated efficiently and quickly. The distribution of the spaces throughout the house had to account for activities that would take place in each room, as well as the proximity of codependent spaces.

SECOND FLOOR

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It was also important to the project to create a relationship between the interior and exterior of the house. This was accomplished mainly through two exercises: the use of large windows throughout the house, and the construction of semi-covered spaces, like balconies, decks, and an accessible rooftop.

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The kitchen was of particular concern to the family as their most frequented space. Ample work space provided enough room to fit a functional and complete kitchen. A u-shaped floor plan emerged when three of the walls were covered with cabinets, resulting in plenty of storage space. An island added to the work space, along with a built-in table. The sink, cooktop and oven set were placed in a typical kitchen triangle arrangement.

Due to the dimensions of the refrigerators and the need for them to be close to the entrance, they were located on the back wall.

To allow light into the space and create an airy feel, a skylight was installed above the island, and a longitudinal window was set into the front wall between the upper and lower cabinets, providing a view of the garden. It was necessary to create a living space in the kitchen, which is located at the end of the room, to allow the occupants to participate in cooking activities. As previously mentioned, access to the outside was important, so the main space opens onto a breakfast deck covered by a wood pergola overlooking a gorgeous tree.

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In the kitchen, a modern yet elegant design was desired, so light colors were chosen for the cabinets and floor, along with contrasting black marble countertops. The space was illuminated by longitudinal recessed lighting, keeping things simple and bright.

“A u-shaped floor plan emerged�

Each of the bathrooms acquired its own character based on the layout, chosen materials and selection of designer fixtures.

The master bathroom has a modern, unconventional layout, with a two-person, open shower and centered bathtub, yet the white-veined marble on the walls and floor, as well as the white and gray color scheme, give it a classical feel. The daughter’s bathroom is romantic and serene; it is mainly white, right down to the fixtures and details of the ceramic on each wall, which resembles coral. The sons’s bathroom is sober and masculine; it has a free-standing sink, and is finished in chocolate-veined ceramic, with leather details. Each of the bathrooms has a big window above or in front of the bathtub to promote relaxation.

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Finally, the cellar was especially important to this wine-loving family, so despite preserving a modern look through the use of copper railing and contemporary fixtures, the room includes traditional elements, such as decorative molding and, to give it that cave-like feeling, a ‘medieval’ wood door.

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Some design highlights include the completion of the main volume with a 22-foot-tall window that looks out at the biggest tree on the property, like the eyes of the house. The Italian cone-shaped chimney at the heart of the home can be seen from every room in the social area and is the source of heat for the entire house. Another element to consider is the main door, which cannot be seen on the main façade – to locate this imposing feature, you have to make a turn after climbing the outside stairs. It comes as a surprise to everyone to suddenly find themselves facing this 22-foot-tall, solid wood door, with lines corresponding to the rest of the house’s design. Finally, the apertures of the house create shapes in the façade that attract your attention to each corner and design detail.

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“It comes as a surprise ..... to suddenly find themselves facing this 22’foot’tall ... door”

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PIAZZETA CHIMNEY “The Italian cone-shaped chimney at the hear of the home can be seen from every room....”

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The decor of the house is clean and minimalist, so as to let the architecture speak for itself in each of the spaces. Elegant, contemporary pieces that combine fabric, leather and wood were selected, as a result. The palette is basically neutral, and uses a lot of beige, but you can appreciate the accent pieces in every room, which are ochre in color, for the most part. The entire house has porcelain floors that flow effortlessly throughout; designer rugs and furniture define individual areas.

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“La Rabija�

Minutes from the city, a quiet refuge in the midst of nature and a magical landscape

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SUSTAINABLE RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS 2012 - 2013 | QUITO, ECUADOR

One of the main purposes of architecture is overcoming challenges, such as a unique landscape, and developing a project that functions and possesses character. This is a case study of a young couple and their little girl’s first home.

“Rabija” is a colloquial Spanish word that refers to a residual piece of V-shaped land but, in this case, it refers to the unique location that made the design of this house possible.

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The inspiration for this project was an old, one-room, vernacular shack owned by a charming old lady who had dedicated her life to growing corn on this slope. Consequently, the plan was to try and bring life to this hill by creating a structure that will become a part of it. We decided that the house would be one simple volume with two heights to separate different areas and it would have only one clear façade—the front of the house, which lets you admire the ravine and its vegetation.

To fulfill this metamorphosis, the house was literally built “in” the slope, where a generous amount of digging was required. But once the dirt was replaced by the house, the space reclaimed its balance and the house enhanced its environment.

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“Beams and columns of “Chanul” rose from this fertile ground”

The next step was choosing materials. Being on a very steep slope, it was necessary to choose a material that could anchor to the land and maintain the status quo, as well as fuse with new elements to eventually become part of the landscape. Hence concrete (a cold material, granted, but one of the strongest and most versatile available) was selected. As an act of making peace with nature, a more friendly element was chosen next: wood.

Beams and columns of “chanul” rose from this fertile ground, sculpting the body of the two-story house.

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“The Floor plan is simple and efficient, highlighting its longitudinal nature�

On the main floor, you will find a 1970s-style American kitchen, with unique polka-dot ceramic tiles and white cabinets and countertops. A formal living room welcomes you as soon as you enter the house and the dining room is carefully located in front of the American kitchen. Working with an open floor plan allows for a panoramic view of the woods surrounding the house. The second area on this floor is more private, containing the master bedroom. To separate these spaces, modern and industrial elements combined in a subtle glass bridge that, though subtle, makes a strong statement with its engraved design and aluminum railing. The combination of materials delivers an eclectic feel that is, at the same time, somehow minimal.

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“modern and industrial elements combine in a subtle glass bridge�

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The underground level is devoted to creating a vibrant and entertaining lifestyle space. Access to this level is by strolling down a metal spiral staircase that leads you back to industrial times.

To the right, you find a cozy living/ game room—the only room in the house without floor-to-ceiling windows. This space is dedicated to relaxing and having fun: watching TV, playing cards, or just unwinding with a good book. To the left is a sitting room, which is the ideal place to have company. This room features a wall that doubles as a wine cellar, an element unique to this project. The cellar came about as a result of the parameters of construction. To avoid humidity, it was necessary to construct an interior wall twenty centimeters away from a retention wall on the house’s exterior.

Instead of creating a dead space, holes were drilled for aluminum hooks to create bottle holders; this takes advantage of the temperature present between the walls—perfect for storing wine.

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“Strolling down a metal spiral staircase”

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This space opens out onto a generous timber deck. Ideal for hosting outdoor gatherings, this deck embraces the distinct landscape of the ravine. It is perhaps best seen from the roof, which is accessible via an exterior staircase.

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The house encourages its occupants to enjoy the natural surroundings from every room. You can step out onto a balcony, enjoy the deck, or simply gaze out the generous windows and savor the peace and beauty that nature offers..

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This house is an exercise of repurposing a space—that was otherwise considered wasteland—with a simple use of the basic principles of architecture, such as structure and apertures placed in the right place with an intention and function.

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This house is an exercise of repurposing a space—that was otherwise considered wasteland—with a simple use of the basic principles of architecture, such as structure and apertures placed in the right place with an intention and function.

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RECREATIONAL RETREAT 2014 | Nayon, Ecuador | Arch. Mariana Palacios Vega

“Adobe� Cabin

This small but cozy cabin has given a growing family a space to get together and share as well as being a space to retreat from the busy city life. What began as a simple task soon transformed into an opportunity to explore the ancient art of building with mud.

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TRADITIONAL ADOBE BRICKS

We chose to respect the preferred construction materials in this indigenous populated area of Nayon and adopted the technique with a modern design. Some parameters had to be taken into consideration, like the fact that “adobe� walls are load-bearing and due to the lack of columns a cross-like junction had to be placed every thirteen feet.

MAIN FLOOR PLAN

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TRADITIONAL HOUSES

“This project reinterprets the double falldown roof ”

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Although the traditional construction method was respected, for the design of the cabin itself, we adopted a more modern approach. Orthodox “adobe” houses will have a double fall down roof, small apertures, and modest heights. This project reinterprets the double fall down roof by covering the main room with a one-directional inclined roof, the highest point of which is 13 feet. As the result of giving the house that second fall down, a pergola originates three and a half feet from the end of the roof with a subtle inclination in the other direction.

The two small lateral facades have regular side windows, but the main and largest facade has floor to ceiling glass doors that open to an outside deck that mimics the inside space in length and width. In the space between the pergola and the top of the roof, a longitudinal window was installed providing the house with natural light.

Although learning a new method of construction comes with its challenges, especially finding a qualified workforce, it also comes with its rewards. Adobe is fireproof; if treated correctly, it is durable and at the same time biodegradable. It also maintains the perfect temperature inside the house due to its ability to retain heat, and it is a fast, versatile, and economic process. In addition, the look and feeling of a mud house blends perfectly with nature and gives the project character and charm.

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The landscape was as important as the building in this project. The cabin is a refuge for people who enjoy outdoor activities, including those taking place on the deck, which has a wood oven made by a local artisan. A series of paths shape a meander that with the trees and difference of heights creates unique spaces to relax, play, and enjoy nature. To complete the project purpose, a multi-discipline court was strategically located in the remaining land.

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Landscaping Process

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ACADEMI

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IC WORK

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“Thesis” Architectural School and urban intervention in park ”Gabriela Mistral”

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The purpose of this project is to highlight the space concept understood as “place,� created by means of the human activities performed within. The concepts of fluency, integration, flexibility, and versatility were incorporated in order to categorize the space without necessarily dividing it. The floor plans created across all floors could morph, depending on the needs of the occupants. Rooms can change in size by simply removing a temporary wall.

UNDER GROUND

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FLOOR GROUND

SECOND FLOOR

THIRTH FLOOR

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“The structure, circulation and areas distribution were carefully studied�

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CLIMATE INSULATION

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Section A

Section B

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A model of the building was made out of wood and vinyl to get a better understanding of the surroundings and its precense in the park.

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A catalyst of the project was the urban situation. The park “Gabriela Mistral” is a strategic urban spot with great development potential. Regretfully, it has been neglected, mainly because people don’t find any reason to go or feel that the place is theirs. Therefore, this project suggests a mixed-use building, creating a facility to hold an Architecture Faculty that will bring life to the place and elements of public use that will interact with the urban fabric.

The project goes beyond the simple building—it incorporates the park, streets, and neighboring houses. Having heritage-protected houses and trees in this space was an advantage, since they became an essential part of the project. In this intervention, the concept of cross-programming has been referenced by adapting existing buildings to new developments and societal trends.

To accomplish this expansion of the urban space, a study of the existing pedestrian and vehicle paths was conducted. As a result, the street Juan Rodriguez was closed for traffic and given over to pedestrian use, due to its unique characteristics and historical value.

Consequently, a megablock of public use was born.

URBAN ANALYSIS

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A Grid was used to define the paths in the park

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ABOVE Transition Spaces

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ABOVE Boulevar | Protected Houses | Library | Dinner

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Observatory Sculpting in the ground

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The project integrates the mountain-like environment, starting at the observatory with a radial axis for the disposition of the program elements. These elements are connected by a path so you travel around the mountain and the project at the same time. This allows you to engage with nature and live a sensorial experience while you occupy the facilities. The intention is to lead a person along a path where they can sense the space while communicating with nature and other elements.

LOCATION : “EL ILALO� mountain in Quito, Ecuador

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Digital Models

“Balsa” Model

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SCIENTIFIC FLOOR

COMERCIAL FLOOR

EDUCATIONAL FLOOR

REFERENCES

SECTION A

SECTION B

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“Mixed-Use Building” Inspired by the view

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The intention of this project was to not interfere with the pure and beautiful landscape around the site. Therefore, an elevated volume was designed, taking advantage of the uneven levels presented by the terrain, and some of the elements were placed underground. As a result, we have a pure volume that, with its north–south disposition, doesn’t disturb the view of the valley when entering the city, and lets you navigate its multiple spaces by a longitudinal circulation and outdoor plaza. This building houses three main spaces: a mall, offices, and student housing. The entire space is surrounded by buildings of diverse use, making it an ideal spot to locate a building of this nature.

ABOVE: Standard Floor Plan with cinema and patios RIGHT Under-Ground showing parking space and paths

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ONE SIMPLE VOLUME TO DETACHED FROM THE GROUND GIVES US A FREE GROUND FLOOR TO PLAY WITH

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MARIANA PALACIOS VEGA + PORTFOLIO e-mail: marianaupdate@gmail.com cell-phone: +1 (917) 951 0085 New York / United States