Architectural Cases

The Turquoise House, a striking residential project by SUPRBLK Studio in Halifax, Canada, reimagines urban living by ingeniously combining a family residence, an architectural design office, and a separate dwelling unit on a confined property. This innovative design leverages a pair of gabled structures and strategically placed courtyards to achieve high density without compromising on natural light, personal privacy, or a harmonious relationship with the surrounding environment. Completed in 2024, this 3530 sq ft dwelling stands as a testament to efficient and versatile architectural planning.

Integrated Living and Workspace Solutions

The architectural vision behind The Turquoise House seamlessly merges distinct living and working environments within a single footprint. This approach addresses the modern demand for integrated spaces, allowing residents to live, work, and host independently, all while maintaining a sense of openness and connection to nature. The strategic placement of courtyards between the gabled volumes facilitates abundant natural light penetration and creates private outdoor sanctuaries, crucial for enhancing the quality of life in a dense urban setting.

SUPRBLK Studio's design for The Turquoise House masterfully navigates the challenges of a narrow urban plot in Halifax, presenting a multifaceted structure that accommodates a family home, a dedicated architectural studio, and a self-contained apartment. This intricate program is resolved through the clever deployment of two distinct gabled forms, which are expertly interwoven with a series of private courtyards. These outdoor spaces are not mere aesthetic additions but integral components of the design, ensuring that each functional zone receives ample daylight and maintains a profound connection to the outdoors, despite the site's compact nature. The careful consideration of these elements results in a dwelling that offers both density and a high degree of privacy, creating a unique and adaptable living and working experience. The project showcases a forward-thinking approach to residential architecture, prioritizing both functionality and environmental integration in a contemporary urban context.

Thoughtful Spatial Organization and Environmental Integration

A core principle of The Turquoise House's design is the creation of a dynamic interplay between interior spaces and exterior landscapes. The courtyards serve as green lungs, drawing fresh air and light into the heart of the home and studio, while simultaneously acting as transitional zones that blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. This thoughtful integration fosters a sense of tranquility and expands the functional footprint of the property, providing versatile areas for relaxation, work, and social gatherings. The project embodies a sustainable design philosophy, making the most of available resources and site conditions.

The design philosophy of The Turquoise House deeply emphasizes thoughtful spatial organization, achieving an optimal balance between density and livability. The arrangement of the two gabled volumes and the interstitial courtyards is pivotal to this success. These courtyards are meticulously designed to act as vital conduits for natural light and ventilation, enriching the interior environments with a refreshing ambiance and reducing the reliance on artificial lighting. Furthermore, they serve as private extensions of the living and working areas, offering secluded outdoor retreats that foster a direct and intimate connection with nature. This holistic integration of indoor and outdoor spaces not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the residence but also significantly improves the well-being of its occupants. The result is a highly functional and environmentally sensitive dwelling that stands as a model for sophisticated urban infill development, demonstrating how intelligent design can create expansive experiences within constrained sites.

The Mugak/ International Architecture Biennial, a significant event in the architectural world, has announced an international open call for cultural project submissions for its upcoming sixth edition. This initiative, officially named OPEN Mugak/ 2027, invites creative minds and organizations from across the globe to propose projects that will enrich the biennial's official program. With a generous budget of 150,000 euros, Mugak/ aims to foster innovation and cultural exchange within the field of architecture, offering a unique platform for showcasing diverse perspectives and ideas. The submission window for these exciting opportunities closes on November 25, 2026.

Scheduled to unfold between October 2027 and February 2028, the Mugak/ Biennial in the Basque Country is renowned for its commitment to exploring contemporary architectural themes and engaging with broader cultural dialogues. This open call specifically targets projects that can contribute to a vibrant and inclusive program, reflecting the dynamic interplay between architecture, culture, and society. The organizers are looking for proposals that are not only architecturally significant but also culturally resonant, capable of sparking discussions and inspiring new directions within the discipline.

Participants in OPEN Mugak/ 2027 are encouraged to think expansively about the forms and formats their projects might take. This could include exhibitions, workshops, installations, research initiatives, educational programs, or public events that address key architectural challenges and opportunities. The emphasis is on originality, relevance, and the potential to engage a diverse audience, ranging from seasoned professionals to the general public. The biennial seeks to create an immersive experience that transcends traditional architectural discourse, inviting cross-disciplinary collaborations and innovative approaches to problem-solving and creative expression.

The selection process will prioritize projects that demonstrate a strong curatorial vision, a clear methodology, and a tangible impact on the architectural and cultural landscape. This presents a remarkable opportunity for architects, artists, researchers, and cultural practitioners worldwide to leave their mark on a prestigious international event. The substantial financial backing underscores the biennial's dedication to supporting groundbreaking work and ensuring the successful realization of chosen projects. This commitment to funding not only recognizes the value of creative labor but also enables the development of ambitious and high-quality contributions.

In essence, Mugak/ is not merely seeking submissions; it is inviting a global conversation about the future of architecture and its intrinsic connection to cultural life. By encouraging a wide array of voices and ideas, the biennial reinforces its role as a vital hub for architectural innovation and cultural exploration. The upcoming edition promises to be a compelling showcase of contemporary thought and practice, shaped by the diverse contributions received through this international open call. The Basque Country, with its rich cultural heritage and forward-looking vision, provides an inspiring backdrop for this confluence of architectural and cultural endeavors.