F.LOT

F.LOT
F.LOT

Year

2016

Team

Hend Almatrouk, Gijo Paul George

Photos

Gijo Paul George

The house is organized around a 15m long pool which appears to float above the parking. This bisects the longitudinal volume housing the main social spaces and the living quarters. These spaces flow into each other connected by a bridge encased in sliding glass panels. The open-plan ground floor enhances the lightness of the massing

The barrier-free design of the ground floor is emphasized by the open kitchen and dining.

The basement houses the ‘Dewaniya’ (traditional Kuwaiti gathering space for men), parking for 3 cars under the floating pool, and the staff quarters. The Dewaniya opens into a large courtyard at the basement level, covered in white pebbles, which breaks up the harsh Kuwaiti sun and lights up the basement spaces in a glow of diffused natural light.

The first floor houses the private living quarters and is lit by panoramic windows on both sides. Aluminum louvers and deeply recessed balconies offer effective sun-protection and mitigate the heat gain due to the large window openings.

An austere palette of white plaster, exposed concrete and white epoxy flooring gives the social spaces a sense of ethereal openness reminiscent of an art gallery.

The first floor on the other hand features solid teak wood and rough-cut travertine cladding giving the living spaces a warmer texture.