The Linear House
LIMASSOL - CYPRUS
3D IMAGES BY VICTOR HADJIKYRIACOU
The design for this house derived by the parameters set by the linear shape of the 1,500sq.m. plot with a main access from only one elevation and a prime sea view to the South.
The street elevation is dominated by a tall wall, set back from the boundary edge creating an entrance courtyard area for guest / day parking and vegetation while at the same time screening and sheltering the private ground floor areas from the public street. Thin vertical openings are strategically introduced to allow ample airflow from the Westerly summer breeze throughout the pool terrace and diagonal screened views to the valley beyond.
The main entrance to the house is set further back and slightly elevated from the street accessed by a gradual ramp through a landscaped garden.
Beyond the strict boundary wall, the house is orientated primarily towards the South to maximize the views and environmental efficiency.
950sq.m. of internal uses are spread across 3 floors with a double height open plan living and dining and seating area located at the of the heart of the house.
This design strategy not only allows vertical spaces to be connected, but also enriches the functionality and encourages encounters between the occupants.
A library and a double height wine cellar become the main feature of the living area but also act as a screen partially hiding the staircase to the upper levels.
The swimming pool is strategically placed to enjoy the view but also to create a cool breeze over the terrace and into the heart of the living, dining and seating areas as the Westerly wind flows up the valley and over its surface.
In a similar manner, the North glazing windows open up to allow a cool evening breeze throughout the interior.
A sunken seating area is located at the East nestled between the pool and the boundary wall which provides natural shading during the afternoon summer months.
On the West end, the pool design utilises the natural incline of the plot and introduces a waterfall overflow feature which drops into a catchment pool at the lower garden.
On the upper level, the bedrooms are split into 2 symmetrical forms with the master bedroom occupying the East wing and the 3 secondary bedrooms to the West connected by a bridged walkway through the double height living space.
Large overhangs with perforated pergola like openings are used to maximise natural shading to the South, minimise the use the mechanical cooling during the summer months and create a fascinating light show of shadows both during the day and night.
STUDY MODEL
