Completed 2012
The site is situated in a suburban area of Nicosia that is only recently undergoing development. The ‘square’ footprint of the house is largely determined by the rectangular shape of the site subtracting the three meters required setback on three sides and allowing for a large yard at the back that faces south. The house attempts to address the dual nature of the largely undeveloped, even though temporarily, landscape that can be inviting but also intimidating. The box is programmatically divided into two parts. A two story rectangular box along the east boundary includes bedrooms and bathroom for the children as well as guest areas, service areas, kitchen and parking. The remaining void of the double height ‘box’ includes the common areas and the outdoor covered areas on the ground floor, and the master bedroom and bath on the second floor. A glass-floor intermediary space connects the master bedroom to rest of the second floor. A system of glass sliding doors together with folding metal/wood doors enclose an outdoor space that connects the interior spaces. A gap in the second floor of the box allows for natural light to enter the courtyard and the interior spaces. A tree shades the interior courtyard in the summer and protects the interior spaces from the summer western sun. Once all glass doors are open the enclosed courtyard and the interior spaces function as one. Opening the exterior folding doors expands the boundary of the space to the edges of the rectangular lot and beyond.
Photos by Marios Christodoulides, Christos Papantoniou