FIVE STAR PORTUGAL

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Ziggurat House 2.0 by ODOS Architects

 

The design for this dwelling was inspired by the temple structures built between 3000 and 6000 BC in the ancient Mesopotamia Valley and Western Iranian plateau, having the form of a terraced step pyramid of successive receding stories or levels.  

 

This design concept explores inverting this receding terraced arrangement producing in our view, a more elegant and contemporary ‘temple for living’. 

 

At night the buildings elevations come alive; its transparency is realised when the property is lit from within. 

 

Views of the beachscape and ocean coming through the elevation hint at what lies beyond and it is only as you pass under the structure and up the entrance ramp that the natural, light filled heart of the building is exposed. 

 

The interior of this dwelling is an experience of natural materials, light and shadow. The texture and detail of the surfaces combined with the lighting strategy results in a series of internal spaces one would not normally associate with domestic architecture. This initially throws the visitor but later implores them to question the status quo. 

 

The building is entered at ground floor level under the cantilevered structure of the front façade. 

 

The accommodation at entry level comprises a main entrance hallway, library, master bedroom with private bathroom, dressing room and external hot tub overlooking the ocean, and two further bedrooms both with bathrooms and dressing areas.

 

The central staircase leads upwards to the main living area on the first floor with a large galleried hallway, open plan kitchen and living room with outdoor terrace and horizon swimming pool overlooking the ocean and a separate dining room and a fireplace room to the front of the house.

 

An external staircase leads up to the rooftop terrace. The internal lift gives access to all levels including the basement level where there is a cinema room, gym, and laundry and storage rooms.

 

The material palette chosen for this dwelling, while kept to a minimum offers abundant contrasts. Polished concrete floors contrast against white veined carrara marble. Natural timber vertical screens contrast against the green foliage/planting of the internal garden on the main living level. 

 

Handcrafted natural timber fins internally and externally offering obscured views to the sides and front of the house in contrast against frameless glazed openings offering unimpeded views towards the ocean views. 

 

Solid walls of pale coloured marbles and timber contrast against glazed walls and open balustrading. Mirrored walls internally and externally create reflectance and shadow castings at all times of the day.

 

Ziggurat House 2.0 can be configured to suit many different types of ocean lots and the program can be created from 300-1,000m2.

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