Nairy Residence / Funktion Design

The site itself is a t،zoidal corner expanse of approximately 3500 square feet, flanked by roads on two sides and em،ced by the sylvan forest to the north. Its terrain gracefully ،s from the southeast, descending toward the northwest. The proximity to the woodland in a subtropical climate zone presents both challenges and opportunities. While the challenge lies in safeguarding a،nst unwelcome visitors like snakes and insects, it also entails em،cing the harmonious symp،ny of birdsong and the invigorating breeze. A complex set of requirements encomp،ing three generations – elderly parents, a couple, and their teenage daughter – had to be addressed in the design. The exterior facade of the ،use projects an aura of robustness, offering glimpses of its substantial form. The entrance for pedestrians is marked by an imposing 3-meter-tall corten steel gate, adorned with slender openings that tantalizingly unveil hints of the mysteries within. 

Crossing the thres،ld, the senses are greeted by the gentle sere،e of a koi pond to one side, its tranquil waters flowing beside polished granite steps leading to the main entrance foyer. This welcoming ،e is adorned with a resting bench, inviting visitors to pause and remove their footwear before transitioning into the interiors. A central axis, comprising the triple-height entrance lobby, a suspended staircase crafted from verdant steel and wood, and a prayer alcove with double-height proportions, serves as the ،izational pivot around which the rest of the dwelling revolves.

The ground floor is designed for accessibility, featuring the parents’ bedroom, dining area, and kitchen at the same elevation. In a strategic arrangement, the parking area is nestled in the lowermost northwest corner. Rising above the parking level, the living room opens onto a terrace garden that gazes upon the forested panorama. An open kitchen, adjacent to the prayer ،e, overlooks a courtyard where a prominent tree takes center stage, complemented by the backdrop of a flowing waterfall. The double-height prayer ،e, anc،red by a floating platform and crowned by a circular skylight, emanates an aura of sanc،y, fostering the family’s religious practices.

Within, the architectural palette em،ces exposed concrete and brick, accentuating the robust forms. This material continuity extends into the interiors, manifesting as a brick datum wall traversing three levels, finally bru،ng a،nst the boat-like curvature of the concrete roof that envelops and extends protectively over the entire structure. All the windows and doors are made from recycled wood sal،ed from demolished old ،uses thereby making the ،use eco-friendly.

Natural light filters through skylights, infusing the double and triple-height ،es with a play of light and shadow, amplifying the dramatic essence evoked by the voluminous proportions. The main staircase, delicately suspended from the curved roof, perpetuates a recurring motif that characterizes projects by Funktion Design.