Asprochomata Residence

James Retief

• Architects

The plot is located in Asprochomata, an up-and-coming residential area in the suburbs of Nicosia enclosed by fields of olive groves. The proposition for the residence explores a fundamental relationship between architecture and a response to its surroundings whilst also facilitating an essential design for the daily patterns and necessities of a modern family.

The project is comprised of three individual components; a single-storey detached house, an external cooking area and storage block and an outdoor shower for the swimming pool. The dwelling follows a rectangular shape of 23 x 13 meters in which the living spaces are arranged within. The internal layout of the house is divided into two zones; rooms for everyday use and the sleeping areas that are tucked away to allow for privacy.

photo_credit James Retief — James Retief

An internal courtyard situated at the heart of house connects to the outdoor areas through large openings from the living room and kitchen, whilst also framing views to the garden and landscapes beyond. The courtyard allows for natural light to enter the interior spaces filtered by foliage of an oak tree planted in its centre and the atriums parapet.

Forms of physical simplicity and a sophistication in the architectural design are heightened within the material palette of the project. All structures on the plot are constructed out of poured concrete. Α concrete upstand raises the building from the ground, α fair-faced ceiling visually unifies the outdoor and indoor spaces and a poured terrazzo floor flows through all the living areas. The interior spaces feature oak elements, including full-height doors, a bespoke kitchen unit, storage cupboards, and the flooring in the bedrooms that offer warmth and tactility.

The south facade overlooks linearly the garden and swimming pool through three equal openings sheltered by external shaded awnings.

The garden is divided into three zones: low vegetation, the outdoor volumes and tall trees. Significant consideration was given to the development of these volumes. Constructed out of red pigment concrete with a rough texture the structures are placed at an optimum distance from the main building and become an extension to the residence whilst also acting as sculptural forms within the garden area. The palette of the pigmented concrete extends to the exterior paving stones that enable a visual consistency with the surrounding landscapes.