While they are semantically close, the two concepts differ significantly. We aim to offer a space where daily life is elevated and the house becomes a stage where life's small joys naturally unfold. Thus, "dwelling" transforms from a pragmatic experience into a holistic one—"living."
The initial design sought to compensate for the green space replaced by the building's footprint with a green roof that protects the entire dwelling. This roof becomes an aesthetic and functional point of interest with various uses: from a simple green roof to an urban garden and a relaxation space.
The extension of the cornice and the enclosure of the house with a walkable terrace, in addition to sustainable aspects, balances the composition and defines the three registers: nature, dwelling, and the open sky.
The cut-out inner courtyard provides an intimate space in direct connection with the house and a bonus of indirect lighting, creating a symbiosis between the interior and exterior spaces.
The site's position allowed us to use a clean architectural layout, with the house organized into two volumes arranged along the site. The living area is positioned to the south, while all private functions are in the north. This achieves a separation of flows and a clear arrangement of spaces as they are navigated, also expressed at the facade level (transparent and public vs. closed and private).
Skylights punctuate the house's major spaces, suggesting a vertical, not just horizontal, visual connection to create a more generous space.
The house uses sub-assemblies and materials that are energy-efficient, meeting an A++ standard. This ensures low energy consumption, encouraging the use of passive heating and ventilation methods.
All specified materials will come from sustainable sources and, wherever possible, from local distributors to minimize resource consumption and ensure durability.
The building envelope is hermetically sealed, and thermal control and ventilation are achieved through temperature exchange provided by a heat pump (MVHR - mechanical ventilation heat recovery).
All structural elements are made from Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT). The skylights are designed to accelerate vertical air circulation and introduce diffused light into the house.
In addition to acting as an efficient natural insulator, the green roof allows for light filtration during the summer and illuminates the spaces in the winter due to its geometry and the extension of the horizontal cornice.