T
African project:
Khamsa House
he project concept revolves around the
notion of connexion and transition, from
inner to outer, from light to shadow,
from public to private, from reflection to
absorption, from dry to wet, from social to
intimate.
The construction uses compressed
earth bricks stabilized with 8% portland
cement for the main house and poured
earth for the outbuildings. The purposely blind facade
incorporates opaque glass for privacy and allows
visitors once inside to discover the interior and back
exterior panorama.
FROM
The back of the house takes advantage of a north facing
window wall, maximizing views of the pond, pool and
jacuzzi as well as the existing landscape of tropical trees
and vegetation. This living area provides a connection to
nature and offers the owner a private oasis.
EARTH
The architects (Richard Rowland, Hippolyte Gilabert,
Clement Dagneaux) created a seamless interiorexterior transition to maximize light and natural views.
Each room features glass walls which open to a unique
secluded landscape. While the public gathering spaces
rely on open volume, the two bedroom suites have
been scaled down to bring a more intimate ambiance.
The open floor plan relies on volume and simplistic
spaces with an unobstructed flow. The intentional 16”
high dropped ceilings allow for natural air ventilation
and insulation in addition to a dramatic perspective.
Both the swimming pool and jacuzzi are naturally
filtered by an adjacent aquatic plant zone, eliminating
the need for chemical additives. The large surface area
offers a cooling micro-climate.
The objective of the architects was to create an
ecological living experience according to the client’s
needs that reflects the input, creativity and talents of
each participant while also respecting local resources
and customs. AD
africandesignmagazine.com
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