The Cube House

CONCEPTUAL IDEA: To create a quality living experience and redefine the image of a residential building in Kuwait, while maintaining the climate requirements and privacy needs dictated by the Arab culture, were the main design challenges. The Cube House conceptual idea was to explore the architectural relation between solid and void, through addition and subtraction within a cube, creating a dialogue between internal and external spaces to enjoy natural daylight and landscape view all throughout the year. Floor plan is based on two separate masses creating an internal atrium, the two masses were shifted in order to create external courts in the front and rear inspired from Arabic traditional houses. Shifting direction was chosen based on two aspects; Cultural, privacy obscuring the south side neighbor’s view & Environmental, creating natural ventilation & providing needed shade to the front yard. INSPIRATION: The main mass was based around a primary form (Cube) & the two imposing stone walls that were inspired by ancient temples creating an approach with the moat like bridge to the house main entrance. The central black metal screen design was inspired by a traditional Islamic pattern and external courts were inspired from Arabic traditional houses. MATERIALS: Main Structure: Concrete / Steel, Main Architectural Finishes: Honed Silver Travertine Stone, Black Steel, Off White Stucco, Desaturated Brown Stucco, Matt Walnut Wood, Double Glazed Glass CIRCULATION / FLOW: Entrances: • Main: For Family members & Guests • Diwaneya: For Formal Events (Male Guests) • Front Yard: Access to Basement Front yard • Back Yard: Direct Access to kids back yard • Services: Direct Access for Male Staff & main Kitchen Floors Functions: • Ground: Reception & Dinning Spaces for Guests • Basement: Daily Living Spaces including Pool, GYM, Kids Playroom & Green areas • First: Kids bed rooms and living space • Second: Master Bed room with all required facilities & private office • Roof: Outdoor roof garden and service rooms.