One of our latest designs where the built environment slightly transforms into the surrounding hills, comprises a complete open space wherein the exterior living area becomes the epicenter of the house. This central and open living is protected by a circular canopy covered with solar panels, that generate power for the entire house.

It consists of a thin concrete slab with internal structural elements. Integral trusses form the primary structure of the canopy connecting three cables on its perimeter to the anchorage systems in the surrounding garden.

The spatial setup of the program under the landscape is divided into three main areas: the service area, private area and public area, which are led by the structural orientation of the central canopy.

The private areas (bedrooms) and service areas (spa, gym, kitchen), located on the rear of the plot, are organically connected and interwoven by a set of hallways and ramps that lead from the central entry and lobby to both areas. The public area, housing a showroom and meeting room, is located along the frontal facade creating a rapid access from the main entrance for both residents and guests.

As sustainability is a key factor for the overall design, various solutions that consider environmental factors are being integrated in the villa. Optimal use of natural daylighting is being obtained by skylights on strategic points in the architectural layout as most of the program is based underground. Cross ventilation is generated by forcing cool exterior air into the building through façade openings in the landscape while outlet forces warm interior air outside through various patios in the perimeter of the plot. Moreover, highly insulated windows maintain and balance the interior environment by preventing heat and cold from entering the house.

Rainwater is being collected and stored in a cistern to be re-used after for watering the exceptional garden. The exact layout of the landscape design and the placement of plants in the garden is generated by a subdivision into four hydric sections and directly respond to the site-specific solar radiation studies.

The layered setup of this project transforms into the topography which embraces all private, public and service areas that are located underneath it. The sections of the landscape perfectly form and adjust themselves around these hidden spaces. Ultimately this project will become a zero-footprint state of the art villa for 21st century.