geg house
Architect: Elina Kritikou - Kenzo Yamashita
Design Team: Lia Hartoutsiou
Client: Private
Type: Residential
Location: Nicosia- Cyprus
Area: 425 sqm
Stage: Building Permit
Design: 2021
The plain façade of the house has a minimal character with no openings to create full privacy from the street. At the same time, the selected materials and textures of the façade (stone, concrete and screens) are playful for the eye and touch. The overall design of the project is based on the experience of the user and visitor by creating surprising elements in all corners of the house.
The views are limited from within the plot. Therefore the main concept of the house is to create the views for the users, and at the same time to have privacy from the street and the neighbors.
The volume of the ground floor is divided by an outdoor garden to separate primary with secondary uses. The main volume of the house which facilitates the kitchen, dining room and living room is fully transparent looking at gardens from all points. The secondary volume which is for the guest toilet, laundry room and an ensuite bedroom has also views towards private gardens.
The design incorporates very few and carefully selected materials, which lead to a formality where less is more. The chosen materials have the capacity to create authentic textures that are pleasing to both the eye and the touch. The house has finishes in rich, natural woods and marble, creating a more humane character.
Materials like stone, wood, marble are used to emphasize on natural elements that blend in with the surrounding gardens of the house, creating a relaxing and calming atmosphere. The colours of the materials contrast each other and at the same time, their colour-shades are balanced.
The size of the plot allows the design to expand the outdoor spaces and create different experiences and activities for the user.
The outdoor space includes a big covered veranda to use as a sitting space with a BBQ, a bonfire that can be used during winter times as an outdoor activity and the Pavilion which can function as a pool room and at the same time adapt to the needs of the user. All the outdoor elements can be used as shared elements with the future house.
