Khamsa House
Régis L'hostis

Khamsa House

Atelier Koe as Architects

Photo1: From the architect: "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.


photo 2: The construction uses compressed earth bricks stabilized with 8% portland cement for the main house and poure dearth for outbuildings. The purposely blind facade incorporates opaque glass for privacy and allows visitors once inside to discover the interior and back exterior panorama.


photo 3: The back of the house takesadvantage of a northfacingwindowwall, maximizingviews of the pond, pool and jaccuzi as well as the existinglandscape of tropical trees and vegetation on the property. This living area provides a connection to nature and offers the owner a private oasis.


photo 4: Wecreated a seamlessinterior-exterior transition to maximize light and naturalviews. Each room features glass wallswhich open to a unique secludedlandscape.While the public gatheringspacesrely on open volume, the twobedroom suites have been scaled down to bring a more intimate ambiance.


photo 5: The open floor plan relies on volume and simplisticspaceswith an unobstructed flow. The intentional16" highdroppedceilingsallow for natural air ventilation and insulation in addition to a dramatic perspective.


photo 6: Both the swimming pool and jacuzzi are naturallyfiltered by an adjacent aquatic plant zone, eliminating the need for chemical additives. The large surface area offers a cooling micro-climate.


Our objective was to create an ecological living experienceaccording to the client’sneedsthatreflects the input, creativity and talents of each participant whilealsorespectinglocalresources and customs. Westrive to create beauty throughinformed design for thoughtful living.


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