"Khamsa", the eye in the hand, recognized as a sign of protection is the symbol we played with in the design process. The project concept revolves around the notion of connexion and transition, from inner to outer, from light to shadow, from public to private, from reflection to absorbtion, from dry to wet ,from social to intimate. Earth construction - Off-the-grid--hybrid solar and wind power - Vaulted earth brick cellar - Natural (plant filtered) pool, jacuzzi and pond. The construction uses compressed earth bricks stabilized with 8% portland cement for the main house and poured earth for outbuildings. The purposely blind facade incorporates opaque glass for privacy and allows visitors once inside to discover the interior and back exterior panorama. The back of the house takes advantage of a north facing window wall, maximizing views of the pond, pool and jaccuzi as well as the existing landscape of tropical trees and vegetation on the property. This living area provides a connection to nature and offers the owner a private oasis. We created a seamless interior-exterior transition to maximize light and natural views. Each room features glass walls which open to a unique secluded landscape. While the public gathering spaces rely on open volume, the two bedroom suites have been scaled down to bring a more intimate ambiance.
