Design was guided by the existence of Schooeirsven pond in the property. All main spaces of the house face the pond. Its structure consists of convergent and divergent semi-transparent walls (walls with openings). The in-between spaces are trapezoid-shaped. Openings create transparencies and enclosures, visual lines and protected areas. The different room shapes, acute or obtuse, open or close the visual field and thus change the sense of perceived distances. A central axis of movement goes through the house, connecting all main spaces (living room, dining room, lounge etc), while inhabitants can also move freely through the various openings. The acute shape of in-between spaces contains most sound reflections, thus enhancing the acoustic autonomy of each area, without obstructing visual continuity. The shifting angle of the walls gives emphasis to this effect, by changing sound directivity. Wall surfaces reduce reverberation time while also providing exhibition space for a large painting collection.

Inclination of the roof follows that of the walls, leaning both towards the lake and away from it in different heights. In order to maximize natural lighting, the roof is detached from the walls. A linear skylight along the entire length of the house creates the impression of a “floating” roof. This sense is replicated on the outside, as long cantilevers (sheds) extend from the building volume without touching the walls.

Ilias Papageorgiou