EKKY Studio Architects | Cyprus

ARIZONA HOUSE

Architect: Elina Kritikou - Kenzo Yamashita

Design Team: Stefanos Theodorou

Client: Private

Type: Residential Development

Location: Nicosia

Area: 395 sqm

Stage: Design

Design: 2022

The main concept idea of the project is to create an aesthetically pleasing, minimal, and cosy environment for the residents where they can “escape” from their surroundings and create their own unique living world. Taking into consideration the client’s need for privacy and yet having as much outdoor space as possible, the layout of the building expands throughout the plot. The building layout allows indoor and outdoor relationships and at the same time, the use of building elements and vegetation prevents any direct visual contact with the neighbours.

The architectural language of the house follows simple and yet aesthetically pleasing forms. The main concept is to maintain a minimal and monocytic design of both indoor and outdoor spaces to create a continuous connection of the spaces that could be used especially during summertime as one big open space.

Ground Floor Plan

The selected materials for the project are mainly inspired by colour shades and textures of Arizona’s desert landscape. The aim is to use earthy and warm materials, all in similar shades for both indoor and outdoor spaces to read the whole project as one.

Rocks and dry vegetation are used for the landscape to complement the materiality of the building without any contrast but blend together and create a calming atmosphere.

Private/Public - Main Circulation

The uniqueness of the house layout arrangement lies in the division of
private and public areas which are spread to the two ends of the house
allowing all public and common uses to be placed in the middle. By
proposing this layout, the direct contact with common areas is enhanced
and creates shared views. At the same time, privacy between children and
adults is proposed where their bedroom areas are apart and also having
their private outdoor spaces.

Indoor/Covered Spaces

The indoor and covered spaces are strategically arranged on both sides
of the corridor to create playful volumes. Doing this arrangement allows
the house to organically stretch in parallel to the plot’s shape and take
advantage of the full plot. The elements are spread by creating gaps
between them and establishing balanced indoor and outdoor relationships.

In-Between Gardens

The gardens are following the same concept as the indoor and covered
spaces. The arrangement of gardens is placed between each indoor
volume in order to create direct contact with greenery from all the areas
of the house as well as to develop an element of surprise. The greenery is
the first layer that residents and visitors will face before even entering into
the house to isolate direct contact from the street and enhance privacy.

Views

The project concept layout allows the residents to have direct access and
views towards all gardens and indoor spaces. The spine of the house works
both as a connecting element to every indoor and outdoor space and at
the same time creates a clear circulation without disrupting movement
within the spaces.

Axonometric Diagram

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ARIZONA HOUSE