MA&KY house
Architect: Elina Kritikou - Kenzo Yamashita
Design Team: Irene Evgeniou, Lia Hartoutsiou, Katernia Pavlou
Client: Private
Type: Residential
Location: Nicosia - Cyprus
Area: 300 sqm
Stage: Construction
Design: 2019
The primary concept for the Ground Floor is to direct the focus towards the view and to the garden. Since the Plot is very steep with big height differences, it is very important that the house merges correctly in the landscape. A significant design problem that needed to to be solved, was to accommodate a garden at the level of the house, even though the plot drops 7 m in height.
The use of full height glazing around the front perimeter of the house will give unobstructed views, and as much sunlight as possible. The inside-outside relationship is strengthened by having a continuous glass facade system, with columns pushed in the interior space of the house. Large covered verandas are incorporated into the Ground floor and planters with greenery bring nature into the interior of the this floor.
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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. Materials like marble and travertine are used to radiate luxury and add to the contemporary yet luxurious character of the house. Concrete, enhances the building’s light atmosphere with its pale colour, yet creates a feeling of privacy. The earthy pallette used comes in contrast with the dark - coloured marble, giving the house a unique identity. Outside as well as inside, the house has finishes in rich, natural woods, creating a more humane character. The use of full height-glazing help to bring nature into the interior, connecting the outside with the inside. In this way, we bring light into the house and foster a sense of harmony with the natural surrounding.
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Since the Garden is one of the most important elements, the bedrooms are arranged in a linear manner, so that the garden extends from one side of the plot to the other. The interior garden in the master bedroom helps to incorporate cross ventilation and southern light into the room. The swimming pool and two verandas are used as boundaries for the garden to be at the height of the bedrooms. The rest of the green areas at the perimeter are at the existing level of the plot.
