W design architecture studio blends house within the nature of africa
W design architecture studio blends house within the nature of africa
photo © dook for visi
all images courtesy of W design architecture studio
located within the serene environment of the eye of africa estate, W design architecture studio has completed a project that they call ‘the light house.’ following the success of previous projects within a similar context, the designers were approached with a request to do what they consistently do – create spaces that enhance the experience of living in africa amongst its nature. thus, the clients are constantly connected and exposed to their surroundings through a series of carefully orchestrated forms, materials, and programs.
the pond provides cool breezes of fresh air
photo © dook for visi
the materiality of the residence is characterized by an exterior façade clad in steel and concrete. the metal alloy encloses a gabled roof structure that uses its durability to reduce the overall height of the house with the understanding that a conventional roof of wooden joists and struts would have added an unnecessary amount of volume. this has helped the architects aesthetically blur the house into the treetops when viewed from afar. furthering this link, the cement mixture provides a surface occupied by a green roof where fresh grass extends the ground floor garden to the rooms above.
large sliding doors connect the living areas to the green spaces
photo © dook for visi
within the center of the complex, a pond provides a cool oasis where large groups can relax while functioning as an air conditioning system that lets breezes of air flow through the guest rooms and living area. glazed, maneuverable doors work in complement to the feature as they let north-facing light penetrate the boundaries between the interior and the exterior.
interior views of the bathroom and kitchen
photo © dook for visi
north-facing sunlight spills from the courtyard into the guest bedrooms
photo © dook for visi
the slatted steel front door keeps is hidden within the design
photo © dook for visi
from afar, the house tries to hide itself within its context
photo © dook for visi
designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.
w design architecture studio (3 articles)
concrete and a flexible plan characterize W design's home studio
floating in space by W design architecture studio hovers above ground
architecture news
urbach tower is a 14-meter-tall landmark built from self-shaping wood
#architecture
the shape change in the wood is driven only by its characteristic shrinking during a decrease of moisture content.
the shape change in the wood is driven only by its characteristic shrinking during a decrease of moisture content.
experimental house concept by atelier FCJZ lets light pass through its façade
#architecture
the structure seeks to embrace the natural world, while ensuring that the dwelling maintains the privacy required by domestic life.
the structure seeks to embrace the natural world, while ensuring that the dwelling maintains the privacy required by domestic life.
santos bolivar architects scatters rammed-earth hotel across mexican landscape
#architecture
rather than housing its services and living spaces within the same volume, the santos bolivar santulan hotel divides each program between five structures.
rather than housing its services and living spaces within the same volume, the santos bolivar santulan hotel divides each program between five structures.
the concrete façades of LAN's student residences in paris relay stories of greek mythology
#architecture
the project is based on a simple idea: densifying the edge of the plot to create a park at the center.
the project is based on a simple idea: densifying the edge of the plot to create a park at the center.
VERY nice.. nothing not to like. I love the use of the same stone in various locations. Given the location, I’d be wanting an electric security barrier to deter ‘unwanted’ guests of all sorts.