The C1 House by Curiosity and Milligram Studio redefines architecture as a seamless, cinematic experience, where design transcends traditional boundaries, blending architecture, interiors, and product design.
Conceived as an integrated product rather than a traditional building, the project is a seamless experience where every element, from the structure of the house to the smallest details like the light switch, contributes to a unified emotional experience. This level of cohesion is achieved through a design process akin to filmmaking, with the architects envisioning the house as a narrative, complete with storyboards that outline the flow of spaces and user interactions.
Unlike the standard architectural process, where the building’s form typically dictates the interior and the final selection of products, the C1 House’s design was developed in parallel across all disciplines. The project’s basic concept, a glass box encircled by a walkway-gallery, was established even before the specific plot of land was chosen. This approach foregrounds the user’s experience within the space, prioritizing movement and discovery. The architectural design is not defined by static elements like walls or floors, but rather by the dynamic interaction of the user with the space, creating a series of cinematic scenes that emphasize the fluidity of movement.
One of the key challenges in this project was achieving a truly three-dimensional interior experience, where the entire space, from floor to ceiling, is in constant dialogue. The transparency and continuity demanded by the design required innovative solutions, such as the use of ultra-thin steel slabs for the floors, minimizing visual barriers to maintain a sense of seamless movement. Furthermore, the house’s exterior and interior finishes were meticulously crafted to eliminate any perception of scale, using a textured white finish that homogenizes the experience, whether inside or out.
In rethinking traditional notions of domestic space, the C1 House questions the very existence of architectural elements and objects, challenging the way we perceive and interact with our environment. By removing familiar cues like the obvious identity of kitchen fixtures, the house defies expectations, creating a space where the functions of daily life are subtly integrated rather than overtly expressed. The result is a living environment that is not merely a backdrop for life but an active participant in shaping the rhythms and experiences of those who inhabit it.
