Pets & Humans: Positive House by Ruiz Velazquez for Ecoplen
The architecture and design studio Héctor Ruiz-Velázquez created one of the most visionary and thought-provoking spaces at Casa Decor 2023, transforming domestic architecture into a manifesto for harmonious coexistence between humans and animals.
At a time when homes are no longer designed exclusively around human needs, the Positive House redefines the very concept of living and explores a new idea of shared domesticity, where people and animals coexist in balance, sharing spaces, movements, habits and everyday wellbeing. More than an interior design installation, the project becomes a profound reflection on the relationship between species and the importance of creating inclusive, dynamic and nature-inspired environments. The house is conceived as a living ecosystem, directly inspired by nature itself: the original habitat shared by both humans and animals.
Within only 27 m², Ruiz-Velázquez creates a surprising three-dimensional universe structured around two symbolic cylindrical elements reminiscent of tree trunks. Thanks to Atenzza’s Ecoplen textile technology, these architectural structures expand into the space like branches and treetops, generating fluid pathways, multiple levels and interconnected areas that encourage freedom of movement for both species. The absence of sharp angles, the visual continuity and the lightness of the materials create an immersive and almost dreamlike atmosphere that mirrors the spontaneous harmony of the natural world. Everything flows organically, following a design logic where aesthetics and functionality coexist seamlessly.
One of the project’s most remarkable aspects is its attention to animals, which are no longer considered secondary occupants of the home, but true protagonists of the living space. The multi-level structures, elevated pathways and protected resting areas stimulate movement, play, exploration and interaction, improving the physical and emotional wellbeing of pets while simultaneously enhancing the quality of life for humans.
The Positive House proposes a healthier and more active lifestyle, encouraging daily movement, emotional connection and a deeper relationship with the domestic environment. In increasingly dense and fast-paced metropolitan contexts, the project invites inhabitants to reconnect with nature and rediscover a more authentic way of living together.
Materiality also plays a central role in reinforcing this philosophy. The natural Ecoplen textile surfaces provide acoustic comfort, purify the air, eliminate odors and bacteria, offer thermal insulation and are even self-cleaning through exposure to sunlight. Combined with Essence ceramic surfaces by Saloni and natural clay finishes by Ecoclay, the project creates a sustainable, healthy and sensory environment.
The beauty of this compact apartment lies in the fact that its forms emerge naturally from structural and functional necessity, much like the instinctive way animals select and shape their habitats. In this sense, the project echoes the ideas of Finnish architect Juhani Pallasmaa who, in his book Architectural Animals, explains how animals teach humans that the true virtue of architecture lies in the balance between functionality, necessity and beauty.
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