The villa, envisioned as a holiday retreat for a small family, embodies the essence of “home” through its design, shaped by in-depth dialogues with the client. These discussions have crystallized a set of design imperatives and prohibitions.
The villa must offer spaces to accommodate a variety of activities and experiences. Despite its spatial richness, the design must remain introverted, ensuring privacy for its inhabitants.
Integration with Nature: Embracing open spaces, natural light, and the surrounding landscape is crucial. The spatial plan mandates the inclusion of an outdoor swimming pool, designed with seclusion in mind and direct access from the house’s private quarters.
The site plan presents a challenge with neighbours positioned on the main axes for natural lighting. The northern neighbour’s distance offers ample light, while the proximity of the southern neighbour poses a dilemma for lighting and privacy.
The client’s preferences and the site’s potential have led to the concept of a semi-introverted space. This design will leverage the site’s natural assets and light to manifest the client’s envisioned atmosphere.
The design process began with a pivotal question: How can we bestow a semi-introverted building with high spatial diversity and a sense of nobility, while ensuring appropriate form, integration with the surroundings, privacy, and dynamic circulation?
The “L” shape, coupled with expansive glazing on selected facades, addresses the project’s requirements. This configuration envelops two sides of the pool, particularly the south, which faces the closest neighbouring block.
The villa’s layout includes three distinct sections: a central joint and two arms. The joint houses vertical circulation, the entrance, and serves as a transitional space. Each arm, spanning two floors, boasts unique characteristics and functions. Notably, the northern arm on the first floor, adjacent to the bedrooms, features a semi-open area with direct pool access, eliminating the need for traversing the yard.
The design seeks to harmonize the built form with the greenery, allowing nature to seemingly reclaim the structure. This integration extends to the geometric and visual fusion of the floors with the landscape, enhancing the villa’s organic presence.
In summary, the villa is a thoughtful response to the dualities of privacy and openness, tradition and modernity, and human habitation within a natural setting. It stands as a testament to a design that respects its context, fulfils the client’s aspirations, and provides a sanctuary for the family to enjoy their leisure time in harmony with nature. The result is a home that is not just a dwelling but a continuation of the landscape it resides in.
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