A-FV
Caoma, Carlos Raúl Villanueva’s private home in Caracas, was built simultaneously with the Central Complex of Ciudad Universitaria. The house is a clear example of the synthesis between the traditional and the new in Villanueva’s architecture. It has the attributes of the old Caracas urban houses with the virtues of open fluid space of modern architecture whose measure is man. Outside, the house is closed with white volumes, with no other device than the overhangs, the garage and services volume and the blue doors and windows. Inside, the transition between interior and exterior is done with traditional spaces: hall, inner courtyard and auxiliary room, and then gives way to a floor plan that is completely open to the lush garden. The ground floor is unique, housing all the social life and with Villanueva’s friends present through their artworks. The singular guest bathroom displays autographs, inscriptions, drawings and photos bearing witness to the man’s life and to his house. On the upper floor, there are rooms good to accommodate and satisfy the life of its occupants. Villanueva’s small «work-shop» is hidden in the ubiquitous garden, allowing him to retire to work. Among the vegetation is The Devil’s Chair, a tribute of Alexander Calder to Villanueva, in recognition for the courage of allowing him to make the clouds covering the Aula Magna ceiling a reality.
FA