5 key facts about this project
The Catcher of Cycle is located in a coastal area and designed for a couple of albino photographers. The residence responds to their specific needs by emphasizing a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. The main goal is to create a comfortable living space that minimizes direct sunlight while encouraging creativity and interaction with nature.
Light Management
The design focuses on managing light carefully. Instead of large windows, the residence incorporates small skylights and slanted glass curtain walls. These features allow soft, indirect light into the home. By doing this, the architects protect the residents from harsh sunlight while also providing a way to experience the changing quality of light throughout the day.
Spatial Organization
The layout of the house is designed to guide movement and connect with the environment. Corridors are strategically placed to capture different amounts of light at various times. In the morning, sunlight illuminates the west corridor, inviting residents from their bedrooms. In the afternoon, the east corridor becomes bright, leading to communal living areas. This design allows for a fluid experience, as the light shifts and alters the atmosphere in each space.
Connection to Nature
The residence integrates closely with its coastal surroundings. A ground floor terrace features a courtyard that changes with the tides. This design not only frames views of the sea but also connects the occupants to the natural rhythms of their environment. As the tides rise and fall, they can observe these changes from the comfort of their home. The water’s reflection creates a dialogue with the building, enhancing the sensory experience.
Material Choices
Material selection plays an important role in the design. Glass is used extensively to control light and maintain views of the natural landscape. This choice is consistent with the objective of reducing direct sunlight exposure. Concrete serves as the structural foundation, providing stability and linking the residence to its coastal setting. Together, these materials support the design's aim of connecting the built space with the natural world.
Throughout the day, as sunlight moves, the residence takes on new qualities, creating varied experiences in each room, shaped by the dance of light and shadow.