Our task was to create an exceptional primary residence for a family, situated in a stunning location within a tranquil pine forest alongside the riverbank. The vision for this project is to craft a contemporary and minimalistic house, employing natural finishing materials that harmonize with the surrounding environment.
The architectural vision for this extraordinary residence is centered around a captivating design narrative. The concept takes shape with two large volumes linked by a light and transparent living room space. These distinctive blocks are further divided horizontally by an expansive canopy that not only imparts a captivating visual profile but also serves practical purposes. Beyond its striking silhouette, the canopy provides shading and protection from precipitation at the ground level, while establishing an immersive connection with nature for the upper-level bedrooms and acting as an additional privacy screen.
The house features an extensive use of glazing, creating a harmonious flow between the interior and exterior. On the ground level, the window openings are smaller and set deeper into the walls, emphasizing a sense of solidity. In contrast, the upper floor incorporates larger windows positioned closer to the outer plane of the facade. This deliberate contrast accentuates the concept of the lower floor being more substantial and robust, while the upper floor exudes a lighter and more open atmosphere.
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A key consideration in the design was to ensure ample natural daylight reaches all spaces while maintaining privacy. The house is oriented in parallel to the river, allowing bedrooms and main areas to enjoy direct views of the water.
The building incorporates two prominent visual axes that penetrate through the house. These axes are easily discernible within the house due to the presence of windows at each end. The longitudinal axis is defined by functional corridors on each floor, providing access to all the main functional zones in the house. These corridors are characterized by their length and relatively narrow width. Transverse axis cuts through the middle of the house, offering a wider expanse and extending two stories in height. This space houses grand living room, flooding it with the daylight and offering captivating views.
This sequence with the contrast of long and narrow spaces intersection with the wide and height spaces is the unique feature of the house and provides enthralling experience for the residents.
The main volume of the house is strategically positioned towards the rear of the expansive lot, effectively dividing the property into several distinct zones. These zones offer a range of sizes, concepts, and functions, providing residents with diverse and versatile spaces for various activities.
The front garden predominantly features an open lawn adorned with solitary trees, seamlessly transitioning towards a sandy beach and the adjacent river. This area offers unobstructed views from the house and encompasses separate entertainment areas, including an infinity-edge pool, a firepit, a pier, and a spacious main terrace. The rear garden, nestled within a cozy and intimate setting, is surrounded by towering trees. It serves as a perfect retreat for solitude or a delightful spot for family lunches in the comforting shade. With the driveway and service entrance on the left side of the house, and a dense forested area featuring diverse trees and shrubs on the right side, these zones seamlessly transition and interconnect.
The selection of materials in this house follows a cohesive concept combining elegance and functionality. The ground floor is adorned with basalt panels, skillfully joined at the corners to evoke a sense of solidity and monolithic presence. In contrast, the upper floor features vertical planks made of thermo ash, emphasizing the lightness and elegance of the upper level. Both levels employ an irregular pattern with additional horizontal divisions, accentuating the height and form of the house. This exquisite material selection extends seamlessly into the interior, creating a cohesive and captivating atmosphere.
For the canopy, steel was chosen to showcase its inherent strength and robustness. Finished in a matte anthracite paint, the steel canopy maintains a consistent visual presence throughout the house's interior.
The floors, terraces, and detached areas including the enchanting pool and firepit are finished with gorgeous light travertine, a material that not only offers a pleasing tactile experience but also remains comfortably cool under direct sunlight.
Beyond its visually striking simplicity and generous use of glass, this house embodies a commitment to sustainability in various aspects. Beyond the conventional insulation, heating and cooling efficiency, our approach extends to environmental preservation and biodiversity.
During the design process, we took great care to preserve as many existing trees on the property as possible, replanting any that needed to be relocated. All plant selections were native to the region, fostering biodiversity and preserving the natural ecosystem.
To enhance sustainability further, the project incorporates green roofs and canopy. These features not only provide visual comfort for residents but also offer environmental benefits. They contribute to biodiversity by providing habitat for wildlife, while also serving as effective rainwater collection systems. The captured water is used for irrigation, reducing reliance on external sources. Moreover, during heavy rainfall, the roofs and surrounding ground act as temporary storage, gradually releasing water into the rainwater sewage system to prevent overflow and minimize strain on local drainage infrastructure.
The thoughtful illumination of this house ensures it is visually striking both during the day and at night. The facade lighting is carefully designed to create an ambient glow that accentuates the architectural elements and materials. On both the lower and upper levels, linear floor lights are positioned to cast upward light, emphasizing the volume of the house and showcasing the intricate details of its materials. The canopy is visually distinguished with the use of cove lighting, which gracefully extends into the interior.
To preserve the natural ambiance and avoid light pollution, areas of the grounds that are not the primary focus remain softly lit or intentionally unlit. However, the flexibility of portable lamps allows for personalized comfort and convenience in specific areas when desired.
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