Image of My Model
Description
For my summer house, I proposed a design that beautifully blends with the surrounding nature and offers an idyllic retreat. It meets to the needs of a small family or a group of friends seeking short-term escapes in the midst of stunning natural beauty, including mountains, a valley, and lovely lake. The topography was also modelled to meet the assignement requirements (I designed my own mountain, and added a lake).
At the beginning of the design, I prioritized a simple, minimalistic, but at the same time sophisticated architecture. An L-shaped structure is the embodiment of this concept, allowing the house to coexist gracefully with the land. On the lower level, I have added a thick concrete slab floor that can withstand the pressures of the surrounding terrain while adding thermal mass, (capturing and retaining heat). The walls are also made of concrete to make the inground structure waterproof and add structural resilience. On the upper level, I have used 2x6 light frame wooden materials for the walls, providing an insulation rating of R-19. The roof of the house, constructed with 2x12 wooden rafters, is built to bear the heavy snow loads that this region experiences during the winter months. I made all these initial design choices to ensure temperature control, making the house comfortable in all seasons.
I thoughtfully oriented the house in order to optimize the view of the pool and the picturesque lake.
On the lower level, a large pool area offers a haven for relaxation, dinners, sunbathing and a point for admiring the view of the lake. The spacious living room serves as the heart of the house, providing ample space for gatherings at a comfortable and wide sofa, storytelling around the fireplace, and relaxation on cozy bean bags. The kitchen, with its central bar-like space, encourages communal cooking and serving drinks. The open-plan living room seamlessly connects to the pool area through large glass doors that span the entire wall. This design creates a fluid transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, perfect for hosting unforgettable parties and creating beautiful memories while savoring the peace of the lake.
The upper level accommodates three bedrooms and a guest room. Each room has access to a terrace, so that the guests can enjoy the view of both the pool and the lake. Towards the rear of the upper floor, a corridor featuring curtain walls opens to the natural beauty of the mountains in the background.