DISTINCTION THROUGH DESIGN DESIGNING FOR SUBTLE INDIVIDUALITY

BY Architect Yasir Hasin and MIMAR2+ 

The K2 is a modern residence identified by its featured single slope roof and projected timber screen windows.

Situated at a busy junction adjacent to two main streets in the suburbs of Kalubowila, the context provided logistical benefits along with its own challenges to fully rea­lising the client’s requirements.

The regulations of the zone dictated that an approximate 20 percent of the plot should be reserved for road development and could not be utilised for the building. In order to fulfil the client’s needs within the limited space, an intimate, cosy and optimised three storey design was crafted.

Considering the constraints at the ground level, shared spaces were included and bedrooms were shifted to upper floors. The client desired a mix of open and airy common areas while still maintaining a sense of privacy.

The main entrance moves into a lobby that branches: one leading to a spacious, double height living space and the other into an intimate pantry area. The living area consists of folding, sliding windows that open fully, allowing the space to spill out into an external deck on one side and a garden on the other.

These features add a greater sense of spaciousness to the living room while allowing for maximum natural light and ventilation to enhance this effect.

On the other side, the pantry connects to the kitchen and staircase, from which the private rooms are accessible. Both the pantry and main living space connect to the dining area, which is similar to the living space, and features folding, sliding windows that allow it to spill outside.

Accessible from either the main living space or private pantry area, the central stairs lead to the first floor TV lounge and study. The path then continues on towards the bedrooms where the client was reluctant to incorporate balconies due to the lack of privacy resulting from the busy neighbourhood.

For a greater sense of privacy, a much needed outdoor space, and natural light and ventilation had to be sacrificed. However, through compromise, the design evolved to incorporate large timber screens that wrapped around the projecting balcony areas, providing the required sense of privacy while still allowing for light and ventilation. Individual sections of the screen can be pivoted to fully open as windows and integrate the outside area when needed.

The generous use of local timber in this project, along with other design choices, were decisions made with the aim of overcoming prevailing material shortages during the pandemic. It was also a conscious effort to incorporate as many local materials as possible. The shortage of imported tiles was a notable issue and the design in all affected areas were optimised to eliminate any compromises in the final outcome.

Approximately two-thirds of the house is sheltered by a sloping roof with integrated solar panels. The ongoing power crisis was taken into consideration when making the choice to incorporate off-grid power supply into the project design. This solved a key issue that affected most residents in the region while adding a layer of functionality and sustainability.

One-third of the roof consists of an open terrace that offers an intimate space, which can be used for small gatherings or serve as an intimate escape from the hustle and bustle of the main streets.

The protruding walls with timber screens and sloping roof create a distinct look for this residence, bringing to mind an often asked question about how architects consider contextual integration in their designs – to fit in or stand out?

It’s fair to say that for most residential projects, the ideal approach is closer to the centre than either extreme of this spectrum.

In comparison to most of the immediate streetscape, the K2 house does retain a distinct style that makes it easily distinguished while keeping the overall look discreet enough to maintain its sense of intimacy and integration into the streetscape.

What began as an interesting and challenging project concluded to become a fully functional modern home with a happy client with his dream home!

PROJECT DETAILS

Project:                                  K2 Residence, Kalubowila

Principal architect:              Architect Yasir Hasin

Project architect:                 Architect Rasheed Rizvi

Architect Zainab Abdul Samadh

Architectural firm:               MIMAR2+

Project type:                           New construction

Area:                                        2,765 square feet

Completion:                           December 2022

WRITTEN BY
Architect Rasheed Rizvi

PHOTOGRAPHY
MAD Factory Studio