House 1922

The house is in the suburbs of Nicosia, in an area with minimal development, mostly because it was always considered to be very close to what is commonly known as the buffer zone, the seize fire line after the invasion of 1974. But throughout the years residents have been returning to these areas overcoming their fears of what happened 51 years ago. The program called for a residence for a family of three, a couple with their young child. Their love for cycling called for a house well connected to the yard with pathways that meandered through the house for the younger member of the family.

The house typology has its origins in the traditional Cypriot house where a covered outdoor central sunroom with access to the garden and an entry from the street, is framed by private spaces on either side, that are attached to neighboring houses. Following Planning revisions over the years in favor of detached residences, the traditional Cypriot typology is reinterpreted accordingly. The historical sunroom is transformed into a central gathering space surrounded by the more private functions. Also, and in accordance with the traditional Cypriot typology, circulation spaces are not differentiated and the central semi-outdoor space functions both as a gathering space and as a space for movement. Four peripheral spaces for relaxation, work, and food preparation, are located around this central gathering space. In between these spaces, sliding glass doors allow access to the surrounding garden. Residents can utilize each outdoor space and terrace depending on the prevailing weather.

Trying to minimize costs, the house is constructed from reinforced concrete and brick infill, both locally sourced products, and exterior thermal insulation. The central space is infused with daylight, creating a well-lit environment that is well connected with the surrounding greenery. In contrast, the bedroom spaces have selective openings, which offer the necessary shading and privacy that the clients were looking for. The four peripheral spaces are positioned in such a way, seemingly disregarding the boundary of the plot, to define the central communal space with more clarity and strengthen its connection with these four more private spaces. Sliding doors with the necessary soundproofing separate the private areas for rest and work from the central common area. The greenery fills the visual gaps between the different spaces that surround the central space and can in the future, if the surrounding landscape area develops further, provide the necessary privacy to the residents.