BRIEF:

The brief concerns a family house for an elderly couple, with the possibility of hosting grandchildren and partially independent living for a grandmother. A key requirement is full barrier-free design throughout the house and garden. The plot is gently sloped, very windy, and in close proximity to surrounding buildings, which influenced the overall concept and orientation. The brief also includes a swimming pool connected to the terrace at the same level.

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EXTERIOR CONCEPT:

The concept responds to the sloping terrain and the need to create a protected, calm outdoor environment. The core principle is an open atrium that naturally shields the house from surrounding buildings and wind, while forming a safe and intimate centre of living. The garden can be further divided using sliding wooden panels, allowing flexible control of privacy and zoning.

 

The house is designed as a masonry structure with exposed timber beam ceilings and concrete floors. The façade is clad in grey-stained wood. The roof combines a green roof with solar panels, while the southern wing features a pitched roof form.

 

The terrace facing the atrium functions as a zen-like outdoor space with a large dining table, planted garden areas, and a reading corner. The adjacent swimming pool is positioned at house level and can be covered with sliding elements or louvers to extend seasonal use. The pool surround is finished with non-slip large-format grey tiles, with one side screened by a sliding wooden wall. Towards the garden, the railing is replaced by a long concrete planter with perennials.

 

Direct access from the terrace and pool leads into the bathroom. The lower part of the garden is accessed either by planted seating steps or by a barrier-free concrete ramp.

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LAYOUT CONCEPT:

The main entrance is accessed from the parking area, which also provides entry to the technical room for storing e-bikes, garden equipment, and house facilities. The entrance hall includes a bench and generous shoe storage with wardrobes.

 

The hall is separated from the kitchen by an inserted storage box containing a guest WC. This leads into the dining area, living room with fireplace, and a study that can also serve as a guest bedroom if needed.

 

The living area is fully connected to the atrium through large-format sliding glazed doors. The atrium is designed to be illuminated in the evening, enhancing safety and visual contact with greenery. One wing of the house is dedicated to the main bedroom with a large walk-in wardrobe, private bathroom with bathtub and walk-in shower, and direct access to the exterior.

The opposite wing functions as a separate unit – a small independent apartment – intended for a grandmother or guests. It includes a separate bathroom and a large laundry room.

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MATERIALS:

The exterior uses grey-stained timber cladding, garapa wood decking, concrete walls, stepping stones, and abundant greenery.
The interior combines exposed timber ceilings, partial timber wall cladding, and lightly beige-tinted concrete floors. The colour palette is earthy, with a strong accent of deep green kitchen cabinetry contrasted with colourful chairs.

 

The house is conceived as a contemporary, calm home focused on comfort, accessibility, and long-term sustainability, with a subtle reference to traditional rural architecture.