Dear Client, thank you very much for the opportunity to design a minimal villa. My proposal for your projects places the two floors in different directions, creating an overall L shape, to gain as much of the natural light as possible.
When you enter into the house, you are greeted by a double height space and an olive tree, to create a sense of a bigger space, and a connection with nature although indoors.
On the ground floor the spaces are mostly positioned in a way that they can gain direct views of the garden. From the entrance, the staircase becomes a seating area next to a big window, but a also a small wardrobe for coats. The study is separated from the open plan living, to allow for privacy and quiet. The sleeping area on the first floor is 90 degrees rotated, to allow for the creation of the mezzanine, and the possibility of a roof garden/grass roof which can make the villa more environmentally friendly.
The main characteristic of the design is to allow some of the needed furniture/ spaces to be a part of the load bearing structure. That enhances the minimal aspect of the design. The external dining area/ barbecue become load bearing walls and support part of the first floor, providing for shading when needed. The main materials used are concrete, timber and glass, as you will see from the plans too.
The aim is to create a space where flow of movement is easy, the light is present throughout the house, providing views from all directions.
I hope you will enjoy my design and good luck with choosing the best one
Katerina