lgn1902

A wonderful space to live in

Looking out through the pivoting façade of laminated glass from the living room of House IA, Mexico

Mexican and U.S. architects gain special recognition in 2001 DuPont Benedictus Awards^® (Residential)

"I imagine it would be quite a wonderful space to be in." This is what the DuPont Benedictus Awards^® judges felt about House IA, a home in Mexico that makes the most of a commanding view of a nearby lake by way of a laminated glass-enclosed living room with a pivoting facade that creates an open environment, creating a 'crystal prism', in the words of the architects. The home was designed by Bernardo Gomez-Pimienta and Enrique Norten of TEN Arquitectos, while the glazing firm was Val & Val. Both are based in Col. Condesa, Mexico.

A view of the living area, looking out through the laminated glass panels that surround the lower level of the Dayton House

The judges undoubtedly felt the same way about The Dayton House, which again relies on laminated glass for a seamless connection between the interior and exterior space. Because laminated insulating glass is used, safety, security, UV control and thermal performance were all designed into this home, which houses the owners' substantial art collection. The widespread use of laminated glass achieved the owners' aesthetic and functional goals while opening the house dramatically to the exterior through large windows and retractable glass walls. This home was designed by Vincent James Associates of Minneapolis (USA) together with James Carpenter Design Associates of New York. The glazing was supplied by Standard Vent Glass + Figlia and Depp Glass Inc. of New York.