Throughout the planning process, the essential aspirations for the living space were carefully refined—aspirations that are rarely achievable in the context of dense developments like conventional row housing. This challenge was resolved by structuring each residential unit to function akin to a traditional single-family home, fostering a sense of autonomy for its inhabitants. Furthermore, oversized verandas directly connect all levels to the garden, ensuring a seamless integration of interior and exterior spaces. These verandas not only provide access to portions of the roof areas, compensating for the loss of ground-level space, but also create versatile outdoor extensions of the living areas.

The orientation of living spaces and verandas was meticulously planned to ensure privacy for individual households. Considering the significant rainfall in the region, the verandas were conceived as open yet protected living areas, becoming an indispensable feature for residents. The design also accommodates future adaptability; provisions for easy extensions and modifications were integrated into the layout. The basement, envisioned as a potential expansion of usable living space, serves as a flexible reserve for families with limited room. With its own separate entrance from the central open core of the house, the basement enables the possibility of creating an independent residential unit in the future. Generously sized ribbon windows flood the basement rooms with natural light, ensuring they are both bright and welcoming. This architectural choice gives the building a levitating appearance by visually separating the structure with the horizontal band of windows.

The open central section beneath the elevated residential units was designed as a communal area, serving as a social hub for residents. This sheltered, multipurpose space is ideal for hosting garden parties, recreational activities, and community events.

From an energy efficiency perspective, the project adopted a high standard of thermal insulation, with meticulous attention to detail during design and construction. Triple-glazed windows were employed, strategically overlaid with frames to minimize heat loss from the window reveal area. The building envelope underwent rigorous leakage testing, and thermal bridges were identified and mitigated using infrared imaging. These measures were complemented by diverse heating solutions: two households opted for CO2-neutral heating with automated pellet stoves in the basement, while another adopted a controlled ventilation system with a post-heating register. Fresh air is pre-conditioned via an earth register before being exchanged through a heat exchanger, which also supports cooling in summer. Additionally, operable windows provide natural ventilation when desired.

Material selection was pivotal to the project’s ethos. Wood emerged as the preferred construction material, chosen for its ecological sustainability, cost-efficiency, and superior living comfort. Although the structure was originally intended to meet passive house standards, this rigid approach was adjusted to prioritize quality of living. Expansive glazing and open spatial connections were incorporated, and the building was reclassified as a low-energy house, balancing environmental goals with the aspirations of its inhabitants.

This reimagined architectural solution demonstrates a harmonious blend of technical sophistication, ecological responsibility, and human-centric design, creating a living environment that is as functional as it is aspirational. (construction year 1999)