At our design studio, each project is driven by the quest for balance between built space and the natural environment. This principle not only extends to the structural conception in wood but also considers the influences of the local climate. Broad overhangs define the facades, encompassing the entire perimeter of the house, shielding both the structure and walls, minimizing overall maintenance. Carefully planned openings facilitate cross-ventilation, ensuring internal thermal comfort.
While the southern facade opens up completely to embrace the sea view, the western face adopts a more enclosed approach with cellular concrete walls, except for the stair module. This section is shielded by vertical brises that filter the setting sun's light, creating a tranquil atmosphere in the internal courtyard.
Despite the privileged "beachfront" location, the plot posed a challenge with its narrow 14m frontage. Local regulations allowed only 2/3 of this measurement to be occupied, resulting in a house width of just 9.15m. The challenge was to incorporate three suites with ocean views, and despite their narrowness, they offer comfortable lengths. Bathrooms feature windows opening into the bedrooms, capitalizing on the scenic ocean views for a unique bathing experience.
On the ground floor, access to the house is through the side, leading to a garden courtyard that spans the entire transverse length of the house. Adjacent to the garden, a second patio with double-height ceilings and tiled flooring seamlessly integrates with the kitchen.
The house structure primarily consists of glued laminated timber, sourced from sustainable forestry, making it the most renewable material in construction. The three levels—ground floor supported by a suspended concrete slab, upper floor, and the central roof incorporating the technical slab—are structured with "panel wall" slabs on wooden beams.
The majority of the house is covered with sandwich PVC and expanded polyurethane roof tiles, ensuring excellent thermal insulation. The technical slab is covered with TPO membrane over thermal insulation. Additionally, the house features a solar panel system for photovoltaic energy, solar heating for the pool, and a 15,000-liter rainwater harvesting system.
A notable element in this project is the muxarabi panel. It spans the entire side of the staircase, enclosing the laundry and upper bathroom. Filtering light from the east and west in the living room and forming part of the beach-facing facade in the bedroom closure, the muxarabi panel adds a unique touch.
Lastly, the color palette adds vibrancy to the design. The natural color of the wooden structure is complemented by a blue tone on the upper floor, connecting with the sea, and a yellow hue on the street-facing block.
