Project name: Al-Hosh Residence
Firm: Khaled M. Abou Taam – KMA Atelier
Lead Architect: Dr. Khaled M. Abou Taam
Project Type: Residential – Low-rise Building
Owner and Developer: Mr. Haidar Yassine
Location: Baghdad, Iraq
Built up area: 912 sqm
Designed: 2024
Floor: 4
Materials: Concrete, Steel, Marble, Stone, Ceramic, Wood, Aluminum & Glass
Tools used: Manual Sketches, AutoCAD, 3DS, V-Ray, Photoshop, PPT
Nestled within an exceptionally narrow plot of 28.4 meters in length and only 8.75 meters in width, this innovative house maximizes its limited space with a total constructed floor-space of 211 square meters. The design is ingeniously divided into three sections: two main spaces and an uncovered central patio, forming a cohesive and functional layout. This structure occupies nearly the entire plot, emphasizing a compact and efficient use of space.
At the heart of the building is the uncovered patio, which serves as an "oasis" within the densely built environment. This open area is crucial not only for its aesthetic value but also for its practical benefits. It allows natural light and air to permeate the interior spaces, creating a sense of openness and connection to nature. Residents experience the changing weather directly, whether feeling the cool breeze, the warmth of the sun, or the patter of rain, as they cross the patio to access different parts of the house. This design element ensures that the home remains in touch with the natural environment, providing a refreshing escape from the surrounding urban density. The narrow facade necessitated a design that meets both aesthetic and health requirements. The uncovered patio, centrally located, ensures that all rooms receive ample sunlight and natural ventilation. This enhances the overall living experience, making the indoor environment healthier and more pleasant. The inclusion palm trees within the patio further enhances its beauty, offering a tranquil view for the rooms overlooking it.
Architecturally, the facade is designed to resemble a residential villa rather than repetitive apartments. The elevation is divided into two parts: the lower part of the ground floor, which includes the car entrance to the parking lot and the pedestrian entrance to the stairs and lift, is treated with dark color stone. The upper part, which spans the first, second, and third residential floors, is designed in a neoclassical architectural style with light color stone. It features a long arch containing a green area, adding to the building's elegant appearance.
The building comprises three similar floors, each prepared as a private residential unit. Each floor includes a main foyer, a reception hall with a guest bathroom, a kitchen with a pantry, a family room, an internal courtyard, and a master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, two children's bedrooms, and a bathroom. The apartment layout is designed with the residents' privacy in mind. The external foyer leads to the reception hall or the kitchen, while the family room enjoys a sense of independence and leads to the bedrooms. Each space is generously proportioned, with the reception hall measuring 4 x 6 meters, and the family room and bedrooms each measuring 4 x 5 meters. The ground floor is dedicated to common areas and functions, including a parking lot, a swimming pool, a gym area, and a sitting area, providing a well-rounded living experience for all residents.