roof structure Archives | ek magazine | Architectural Publications

2ray | Los Angeles, California

Konstantinos — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 05:31:48 +0000

This article by Konstantinos was published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications.

Reverse trajectories

The 370m2 residence’s architectural form follows two existing walls with reverse trajectories, with the aim to guide the user into a dynamic pre-entry space that acts as a threshold between the interior and exterior.

Circulation Space

The design intention is to create an experiential circulation route throughout the building. Large window openings and thin dividers lead from the courtyard to the entrance, while a water feature compliments this slow sense of transition and establishes a connection with the pool and hillside view. Angular volumes and linear voids on the roof, subtly separate the open-plan spaces and allow natural light to enter the interior.

Spatial Organization

The communal spaces are organized around a fireplace, which acts as an element that conceals the existing structural columns. Each room is oriented towards a different section of the property: the kitchen faces a private garden to the east; the living room leads to the pool and an exterior lounge, and the master bedroom hovers over the garden. A sloped overhang provides shading, continues into the interior space and is interrupted by consecutive skylights creating beams of strong light in the living and dining space, while the kitchen, hallway and bedrooms are illuminated more subtly. The roof’s construction was one of the most challenging aspects of the design due to its size, shape and integration with the existing structure.

Material Palette

Parts of the façade are cladded with fiber cement panels in white color, to ensure that the residence complies to all the necessary fire regulations. In contrast, dark stone is used to clad the walls creating a sense of depth to the space and separating the vertical from the horizontal elements.

The post 2ray | Los Angeles, California was originally published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications | ek magazine – Architectural Publications.

Tent House | Al Khiran, Kuwait

Konstantinos — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 05:31:23 +0000

This article by Konstantinos was published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications.

Folding structures

Inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula have a long-standing tradition of travelling to seaside or desert destinations during the holidays and setting up temporary infrastructures for leisure and relaxation.

Roof Structure

The projects aim is to conceptually create a sense of “gathering” in a five-holiday-house-complex, by designing a lightweight and discrete shelter structure. An elegant, “folded” roof made of white concrete becomes the most characteristic element of the design, while providing protection from the sun and wind. Additionally, the roof is perforated in certain parts, allowing sunlight into the interior spaces, while a series of rectangular cuts offer stunning views of the sky.

Exterior Design

The exterior ground floor includes communal spaces for social gatherings, featuring a lounge and dining area as well as a pool surrounded by ample vegetation, reminiscent of a calm and peaceful and oasis. The outdoor gardens meet in two communal, double height shaded spaces that visually connect the residence’s interior with the beach, and at the same time, further accentuate the main façade.

Accessibility & Privacy

The interior spaces are oriented towards the central “green oasis,” creating a seamless connection with the surrounding context through a series of expansive openings. This design maximizes openness and transparency, offering unobstructed views towards the beach. In contrast, the sections of the residence that are adjacent to the street are predominantly solid, ensuring a high level of privacy. By striking this balance, the design not only fosters a tranquil and open living environment – characterized as both a desert camp and a beach house – but also provides a sanctuary from the bustling street, enhancing both comfort and seclusion.

The post Tent House | Al Khiran, Kuwait was originally published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications | ek magazine – Architectural Publications.