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Desert Villa by Uri Cohen Architects

By Eric Meunier

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Tel Aviv-based studio Uri Cohen Architects has sent us photos of the Desert Villa project.

Completed in 2006, this 1,830 square foot contemporary residence is located in Lakhish, Israel.

Desert Villa by Uri Cohen Architects:

“The scheme of this house combines one spatial solution from two constraints; one from the location and the other from the specific needs of the client.

As far as location, the view from the site opens up to the south overlooking the landscape of a vineyard. The constraint is the view also faces the direct desert sun. As far as the needs and use from the client, this home is used half of the week only by the owner, and the rest of the week by the whole family. The scheme of this house combines one spatial solution for these two problems.

It is a ‘patio’ house formed by two L shaped volumes. The one L volume stands on the ground floor and includes all the spaces to be used by the owner himself during the whole week. The second L shaped volume ‘floats’ and completes the patio; however, it’s above the ground floor. This gives the benefit that more ground floor stays free, and the upper L shade functions as a miter to shadow the lower floor. That scheme gives the possibility for all rooms of the house to open to the landscape view while still being shaded. The openings in the facades have been developed in such a way that gives an open view and lets light in the house, but without direct sun.

In the middle of the house there is a water patio which reflects diffused light as well into the rooms.

The space inside the house flows gradually from the lower to the upper volumes, changing gradually in its height and creating divers spaces for different uses. The central space in this house is a double space in height where the lower space meets the upper one. It is in this area where family life takes place.

This house has various outside spaces with different conditions relating to wind, sun and rain which extend there uses during different times of the day and year. This emphasizes the connection of the house with the yard and the landscape as well as the Mediterranean climate.”

Photos courtesy of Uri Cohen Architects
Source: Uri Cohen Architects

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About Eric Meunier

Currently the Owner and Chief Executive of HODYO Design, Eric Meunier's expertise in the design industry spreads over 20 years. He was the driving force behind HomeDSGN's early success, founding this website in 2011. Today, he loves to channel his passion for design into remodeling houses and transforming interior spaces with his keen eye for detail and architectural finesse. Learn more about HomeDSGN's Editorial Process.

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