The project "Per Aspera ad Astra — The Home of Shadows" is a residential design situated in Jerusalem. This architectural endeavor serves as a home for a religious couple, incorporating elements that reflect the spiritual and cultural context of the area. The design focuses on creating a harmonious connection between the inhabitants and their surroundings, facilitating both personal reflection and community engagement. The interplay of space, light, and materiality invites a unique experience within the home, promoting a sense of tranquility and contemplation.

Spatial Configuration and Functionality

The layout of the project is thoughtfully arranged to balance shared and private spaces. Central to the design is the living room, which acts as a focal point for communal gatherings. Adjacent to this space are the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom, allowing for easy movement while maintaining an element of privacy. The triangular floor plan optimizes the site's topographical advantages, providing expansive views of the surrounding landscape and the distant Vatican. The integration of both indoor and outdoor elements is evident in the pool and surrounding garden, which create spaces for leisure and reflection, further enhancing the home's multifaceted purpose.

Design Strategies and Unique Characteristics

A distinctive feature of this project is its deliberate use of light and shadow to foster spiritual introspection. The design employs strategically placed openings and carefully designed light wells that cast dynamic patterns throughout the interior spaces. This intentional manipulation enhances the experience of light, making the atmosphere feel both inviting and contemplative. The residential design reflects on local cultural narratives, relevant to the historical and geographical significance of Jerusalem, prioritizing a connection to the natural environment through landscaped areas filled with native flora and a well-integrated water feature.

Material Selection and Aesthetic Integration

The architectural palette consists of concrete, natural stone, glass, and wood, each material selected for its functional and aesthetic properties. Textured concrete serves as the primary structural element, providing durability while reflecting light in varied ways. Large glass windows maximize natural light entry, bridging the interior with exterior views. Natural stone elements provide warmth and tactile comfort, while wood is used for doors and other furnishings to enhance the feel of homeliness. The earthy color scheme aligns the project with its arid landscape, promoting a sense of belonging within the local context.

For a more in-depth exploration of the project's architectural plans, sections, and designs, readers are encouraged to review the full presentation. Insights into the architectural ideas and structural innovations will provide further understanding of how this design integrates spiritual, cultural, and environmental elements within its framework.