The project is situated in a residential district in the suburban area of the city of Abidjan. It is developed on a flat and rectangular site plot enclosed by a continuous brick wall. The surrounding context consists in private houses close to each other.
The project provides a future model for sustainable and responsible family home; it achieves ‘zero-carbon’ energy in use, makes extensive use of local materials and has a low-impact form, one which is respectful of its neighbours and surroundings, whilst allowing its users to enjoy the truly stunning location.
The Project proposes placing the house right in the centre of the plot, in such a way as to clearly differentiate two separate parts; an Access garden square and another but more private with a swimming pool.
In the superposition of 3 volumes with convincing geometry a one family house was designed. By going through the access square the double-height entrance hall is reached, joining the transit areas and vertical communication in the house.
This architecture consists of a second house with garage and two studio-type apartment units for rent. Our client asked me to design architecture similar to “Reflection of Mineral” that we completed in 2006. Therefore basic concepts of ‘Mineral’ are taken into consideration. And in order to further evolve from our previous design we focus on the following three issues: (1) Form should be carefully considered in order to protect white walls from dirt from rainwater. (2) Design and detailing of large skylight (3) Selection of materials to minimize cost.
The house is located in L’Ametlla del Vallès in a sloping plot.
To the east, there is a street and a group of neighbouring private houses; to the west, views to the pinewood. In this environment, the intent of the building is to turn its back to the vehicular traffic and to open itself to the surroundings.
The brief called for a low maintenance dwelling (used in the first instance as a weekend retreat and later to become a permanent dwelling) that would engage with its great location. It is in a highly corrosive environment 250 metres from breaking surf. The southern (rear) boundary of the site abuts a coastal reserve containing primary, secondary and tertiary dunes. The house has been sited to maximise its relationship and connection to this wonderful dune landscape and the external materials chosen will weather to reflect the exposure of the site.