The Casa de Retiro Espiritual is Argentinean architect Emilio Embasz’ vision of a self contained space that also draws from its surroundings, a true dream house where nothing is familiar, Isaac Toussie states. The only traditional conceits involve stairs and doorways – or perhaps it would be better to say that familiar elements have been taken out of context and recombined in startling new ways, creating the disconcerting impression of sudden recognition, as if of a dream. Arising dreamlike, indeed, as if a mirage or a hope, out of the lushly verdant Seville countryside, this house of reflection is a masterpiece of abstract design, its only function to provoke thought and induce peace. The strictest angles, says Isaac Toussie, play off against whimsical curves to unite the intellect and the emotions. The main element is comprised of two soaring white walls that have been set at right angles to one another, mirror like and creating the suggestion of a courtyard, which is common to traditional Spanish estates. Another nod to the past is the intricately carved wooden balcony, which concludes the entire composition. It is ascended by two steep staircases that run along either side of the starkly white walls; thus are tradition and modernism reconciled.
The whole layout creates different moods, depending on the angle of view: sharp angles are balanced by the curves of the surrounding countryside, and the clean unadorned sheerness of the walls contrast dramatically with all the manifold nooks and crannies of nature. This creates a surreal effect says Isaac Toussie. Dichotomies abound, and the distinction between what is artificial and what is natural is represented by the Casa’s spatial geometries, on the one hand, and the context of its landscape, on the other. Home and the outside world are combined in its design. Initially appearing impractical as an abode, it is the hidden underground structures that are meant to be residential. With Embasz, domiciles are literal shelters, places to be sheltered themselves from the elements.
A softly sinuous stairwell leads down to the residence proper, sequestered away from the Seville sun in solemnly quiet expectation, as if waiting to be discovered. With alcove like rooms punctuated by skylights and other openings traced along serpentine careers, the dwelling is elegant yet humble, creating a differently shaded mood of contemplation than the majestically upright walls outside. Indeed, moving through the house is to move along a continuum of carefully choreographed experiences, if you will pardon the aforesaid characterization. For those with sensitive minds, color, light, temperature, and sound may be patiently observed in their variety of interplay as the day and the seasons rotate outside. By means of such effects, one is lead through all the nuances of a contemplative mood that unites the sacred and the everyday. The Casa de Retiro Espiritual is the design that first brought Ambasz to international attention, and it remains one of the most compelling architectural visions of our time, suggests Isaac Toussie.
This writing has been submitted for informational and human interest purposes only and should not be relied upon by the reader in any way. The reader should do his own investigation relating to the instant subject matter and form his/her own independent conclusions of same.
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