Villa O

Beluga & Toechter’s Armenian customer used to live in Austria for a long time. He commissioned the planning of the family and old-age residence at Lake Sevan in Armenia. The designated land stretches along the Northern shore of the lake and is narrow and long in its shape. The demands of our client focused on the themes of space for extended family visits, hospitality, nature as close as possible, and integration of tradition. The building is orientated towards the lake and the South. From the distance the building appears to be a sailboat lying at anchor. In fact, the entire building is in the water and rests on a floating structure made of hollow containers. The house is entered via a narrow bridge, similar to a gangplank. The traditional elements of the region are integrated into the façade (old Armenian ornament, ship at sea). A black synthetic wall shields the building from views which was built following construction methods in the naval architecture. Towards the lake a façade composed of ornaments opens up. The ornaments make the water appear in different shades and are designed in bronze. Small patios offer some intimacy in contrast to the orientation towards the vastness of the lake. The living area opens onto the lake, with the bedrooms on the other hand, leading to the attached courtyards. In front of the living zone, a terrace is accessible to all with berths for visiting boats and an infinity pool. The right wing of the building accommodates for the master bedroom with bathroom and dressing room of the client, as well as the boat house for the owner’s sail boat. The left section of the villa is reserved exclusively for guests, as well as the nanny for the care of grandchildren. An internal staircase leads to the upper deck, from where the view stretches over the entire region. At this level, guests will find a separate area for non-family members in an apartment-style, as well as a chill-out zone on the sun deck with a bar. The interior design includes traditional elements coming from naval construction: all floors are made of wood; the carrying construction is of synthetics. The entire interior is modern European in style. From a distance, the villa sparkles in the night like a jewel, an effect attained by the ornament. Image credits: Teodora Radeva, Beluga & Töchter, Moroso