Preserving Century-Old Pine Trees: Pines House by ZIKZAK Architects

ZIKZAK Architects: Preserving Century-Old Pine Trees While Creating a Comfortable Living Space

The ZIKZAK team has successfully completed the Pines House project, showcasing their commitment to preserving nature while integrating a comfortable living space. The project began when a family of lawyers with two children and elderly parents approached the architects with a thoughtful idea. The location, spanning 65 acres in a closed cottage village near the Dnieper Bay, provided the perfect setting for their vision.

The main task was to design a spacious, energy-efficient house that embraced modern aesthetics while staying true to the surrounding landscape. Inspired by Frank Wright's philosophy, the team aimed to achieve unity with nature, allowing plenty of air and light to flow through the living spaces. The main house, spread across three levels, featured a large terrace and a courtyard. The design also incorporated a flat partially exploited roof, creating an additional outdoor area.

ZIKZAK Architects successfully transformed the initial idea into an eco-concept that prioritized family communication and relaxation. Careful consideration was given to the existing landscape, with the two visible floors of the residential building minimally elevated above ground level. Through geo-prospecting, load-bearing structure calculations, and BIM modeling, the team ensured that the project harmonized with the natural environment. In fact, some of the century-old pine trees were integrated into the architecture after complex calculations.

The main building, designed in natural shades of sandstone, blended seamlessly with the surroundings. Extensive glazing allowed for panoramic views of the pine trees and decorative ponds, creating a sense of tranquility throughout the space. The exterior was adorned with porcelain stoneware, natural stone, metal, and thermal board finishes. The elegant parade group, with two access routes to the main building, ensured privacy for the owners. Additionally, the relaxation space, featuring a terrace, swimming pool, and two-level panoramic glazing, was strategically oriented to maximize natural sunlight.

While the project faced its share of challenges, including lengthy coordination with the clients and finding reliable contractors for the engineering aspects, the ZIKZAK team persevered. Their non-standard solutions and know-how resulted in a frame-monolithic structure on a strip foundation, combined with brick load-bearing structures. This approach ensured the reliability, energy efficiency, and flexibility of the main building's layout. The external facade, characterized by energy-saving stained-glass windows, cantilever extensions, and roof slabs, exuded a sense of weightlessness. The absence of internal columns and pylons created an open space that seamlessly merged with the surrounding wildlife.

The Pines House project by ZIKZAK Architects stands as a testament to their commitment to sustainable architecture and their ability to create a harmonious living space within a natural landscape. By preserving century-old pine trees and integrating modern design elements, they have successfully provided their clients with a comfortable and environmentally conscious home.

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