Residential Building Kapishtec

The location of the building is at the foothills of mountain Vodno, in a residential area with low-rise buildings with large yards. The building is composed of a ground floor and two upper floors, and an underground parking area. The ground floor apartments are designed to be as open as possible toward the backyard. Each ground floor unit has its own private garden, a functional layout that aims to echo the traditional character of the surrounding context -individual residential houses with yards. Each upper floor contains three residential units: the central unit features two orientations, toward the street and the backyard, while the other two have three orientations, maximizing exposure to surrounding views.

The structure is sited parallel to the adjacent street, optimizing access and establishing a clear and coherent frontage. The primary entrances are strategically positioned along this side of the building to ensure direct and functional access. A vehicular-pedestrian pathway runs along the southern boundary of the plot, opening up sightlines toward the corner of the building which is visually and formally emphasized through its architectural treatment. One of the main functional and design aspects characteristic of the building is its openness to the surroundings and orientation toward multiple different views. This creates a dynamic experience both within the interior spaces and in the external architectural expression. By angling the exterior walls in a zig-zag pattern, the windows are directed toward the east, freeing up the views. This strategy aims to provide greater privacy and intimacy for the apartments by avoiding direct orientation toward neighboring buildings across the street, thereby creating a sense of visual distance.

The architectural language of the building is characterized by noticeable architectural expression that reflects the internal functions, as well as the use of different types of materials to emphasize either the vertical surfaces or the horizontal planes. Due to the zig-zag walls, the building’s dynamic form allows it to be perceived differently from every angle. A characteristic feature of the surrounding context is the presence of greenery and trees in the individual yards. This has been addressed in the architecture not only by preserving and responding to the existing trees on the site with the form of the building but also by incorporating them into the building itself. Diverse materials are integrated in the design to contribute to the overall architectural language.The use of textured materials on the façade not only enhances the tactile quality and visual depth of the building but also accentuates the interplay of light and shadow throughout the day.