Cocoons

What if a semi-detached can look detached, or better still, like 3 or 4 resort villas, each a full-suited bedroom, stacked high, framing amazing views, with wrap-around ‘cocoon’ balconies for maximum comfort, privacy and relaxation? What if each ‘Villa’ takes the tropical pitch roof and pushes it further, much further!! SITE The site is a narrow, long, upslope, west facing semi-detached plot at the end of a cul-de-sac surrounded by dated terrace houses and semi-Ds. OWNER The owner, a car racer and Ferrari club leader wanted a house for his family, a healthy and nature loving wife and three children. The house must reflect their lifestyle, and primarily his passion for Ferrari, which he has a few and intend to show them proudly in the house. DESIGN Since the land is sloping upwards, we saw the potential of a natural (light and ventilation) basement level without the need for much excavation. Enabling us to set a new first storey platform level, since the neighbouring houses on the other side are already on higher ground. We wanted the house to be set as far back as possible from the entrance to be sensitive to the parti neighbour. Except, for the 3 stacked pitched roofed ‘villas’ that seem to defy gravity, ‘speeding’ forward on long cantilevers. The first thing you notice approaching the house. One could approach the house by the basement through the ‘display’ of cars or via the long pool while gazing at the pop-outs spectacle above. Two different experiential journeys towards the house. Each pitched roof is a ‘villa’ of its own, and there are four. The attic for the master and three at second storey for the children. Sculptural and unashamedly Tropical! STRUCTURE & SUSTAINABILITY We decided on off-form concrete as the main sustainable material. The all sided ‘cocoon’ acts as a tubular structure that enabled the long cantilever with no exposed columns in the house. The deep overhangs keep the house cool. Natural light fills the house. A skylight keeps the indoor planters thriving. Nature welcomed into the house.