Zikri House

Residential

Feb 13

Overview

Conceived as a 4-bedroom residence with a guest suite, the design concept proposes a contemporary oasis, deeply connected to the natural surroundings. Inspired by the site's lakefront orientation, the design proposal prioritizes open spatial relationships and uninterrupted views, establishing a tranquil retreat defined by light, lush landscaping and unrestrained fluidity.

The building’s form and spatial strategy proposes a horizontal division, grounding the structure and creating a clear two-story volume. Within this framework, the architectural concept becomes an exercise in carving space. Double-height voids and internal courtyards invite light and movement into the heart of the home. The result is an experiential sequence: the house unfolds gradually, revealing spatial richness that blurs the lines between interior and exterior.

The street-facing facade is by a curved concrete wall that is extruded into the interior volumes, introducing a slight compression upon entry that orientates the views through the home towards the lake. This gesture choreographs a subtle dialogue between architecture and sunlight—capturing solar shifts throughout the day and animating the building’s exterior and interiors surfaces.

The facade is composed with a restrained material palette. Natural wood panels bring warmth and tactility, echoing the tropical context.

Large glass openings and cast-in-place board-formed concrete unifies all elements through transparency and texture. Combined, these materials generate a harmonious yet dynamic facade, enriched by natural variation and material honesty.

Operable screens and layered courtyards allow light to filter into the home from multiple angles. These interventions create a rhythm of shadow and illumination, bringing drama and intimacy to the open living plan.

Strategically placed courtyards create a dynamic and porous layout. They support dual-orientation bedrooms, allow for cross-ventilation, and open ground-floor spaces directly to the exterior gardens. These landscaped voids dissolve boundaries, enhancing the sense of immersion in nature.

At the core of the residence, the staircase functions as a sculptural element, visually and physically anchoring both levels. It is positioned beside a lush courtyard, celebrating the interplay between a framed aperture through which tropical landscape fills the view. The stair becomes more than a connector—it becomes a moment of architectural contemplation.

The architecture maintains a balance between restraint and richness, emphasizing clarity of form while celebrating the nuances of material and light.