Tbilisi Hills Golf & Residences Complex, Georgia
Plot area: 1283.2 sq.m.
Total built area: 682.4 sq.m.
Principal architect: Vasily Gogidze
The design for this individual residential unit is conceived in consideration of the project plot's topographical context and its location, which affords panoramic vistas of Tbilisi. The architectural solution is dictated by the specific constraints and opportunities presented by the site. The resulting architectural language is a direct response to the challenges of the steep terrain, establishing a dynamic and symbiotic relationship between the structure and the landscape.
Topography, Geomorphology, and Terrain Remodelling
The existing undeveloped plot is characterized by complex terrain. It features a pronounced and consistent gradient that descends sharply from the southwest to the northeast. A significant elevation difference exists between the plot's highest and lowest points. The highest point, near the southern boundary, is at approximately 806.85 meters, while the lowest point, near the northern edge, is at approximately 797.24 meters. This creates a vertical drop of over 9.6 meters within the plot's boundaries. Consequently, to establish a stable building platform and vehicular access, significant terrain remodelling is required, including substantial cut-and-fill earthworks for its partial terracing. The terrain remodelling strategy is a fundamental component of the landscape architecture, conceived to harmonize the building's form with the site's topography.
The upper-level platforms of this cascading terrace system are situated at the main road's elevation, designated for the vehicular entrance and the garage. The subsequent main terrace accommodates the residential house itself. The final platform is designated for the swimming pool and its surrounding recreational area. The plot's terraces are interconnected by integrated staircases.
Access, Building Envelope and Site Integration
Main vehicular access to the plot is defined from the southwest corner, originating from the main road. The permissible building placement area is defined by significant buffer zones mandated from the plot boundaries: a 10-meter setback from the southern (roadside) boundary and 5-meter setbacks from all other boundaries. These parameters define the building envelope, within which, through its optimal use, the project building is sited parallel to the main road.
The placement of the garage is defined at the upper, road-level elevation, a solution that directly responds to the plot's significant topographical constraints. This involves the engineering of a cantilevered concrete parking platform, which is covered by a metallic superstructure.
Internal Layout and Programmatic Distribution
The project building is sited on two primary levels. Its spatial organization reflects a clear programmatic division between public and private functions. The architectural plan is developed along two central axes (north-south and east-west). This axial organization provides a logical and intuitive spatial hierarchy, directing circulation and defining zones with clear functions. Located at the intersection of these axes, a double-height, glazed hall functions as the central connecting space between the building's two main volumes and forms the core of the plan. On the ground floor, this hall adjoins the main living space, which in turn connects directly to the dining area and the garden terraces. For vertical communication, a staircase is defined in the building's left wing, connecting the hall and corridors. This same wing, on the ground floor, contains auxiliary rooms, an office and a bedroom.
The second floor constitutes the primary private zone. It is organized around the double-height hall, thereby maintaining visual continuity between levels. The master bedroom occupies a prominent position and includes a walk-in closet, an en-suite bathroom and access to a private balcony. Additional bedrooms are distributed along the circulation axes, and each one is connected to balconies. The upper floor also accommodates a second office and further auxiliary rooms. The layout of all rooms is designed to ensure the penetration of natural light and to facilitate cross-ventilation.
Balconies, terraces, and transitional spaces are integrally designed with the architecture to connect internal functions with external conditions, while simultaneously facilitating environmental control (shading) and articulating the building's massing. The use of large-scale glazing and oversized sliding doors ensures the visual continuity of spatial boundaries, allowing interior spaces to transcend their physical limits and engage directly with the terraced gardens.
Landscape Design
The project's landscape design is conceived as a continuous extension of the spatial-architectural solution, creating a dialogue between the building's form and the natural environment. The existing vegetation on the territory will be replaced with numerous species of cultivated and decorative trees and shrubs. The comprehensive style represents a fusion of Japanese garden principles—emphasizing structure, tranquillity and the artful composition of natural elements—with a Mediterranean sensibility that embraces an outdoor lifestyle.
The garden is designed not as a separate entity, but as an integral series of outdoor spaces corresponding to the building's internal functions. The design prioritizes clean lines, textural contrast, and a meticulously selected, climatically-adapted plant palette to create a tranquil, immersive and visually harmonious experience. Every plant and material is selected for its specific form, texture and seasonal interest. The landscape design and planting scheme are developed not only for aesthetics but also to create a sustainable, sophisticated, multi-sensory environment.
The plant spectrum has been developed for Tbilisi's humid temperate climate (Köppen classification: Cfa), which is characterized by significant continental and semi-arid influences. This classification demands the selection of species capable of withstanding the region's hot, humid summers while also being fully resilient to cold winter temperatures and periodic freezes. The continental and semi-arid characteristics underscore the importance of selecting drought-tolerant species and ensuring excellent soil drainage to prevent root stress during both dry spells and periods of precipitation. The plant palette was specially selected to meet these stringent criteria, ensuring the creation of a stable and resilient flora with minimal long-term maintenance requirements.