Ocean House
Type | Architecture | Interior | Landscape
Area | 1400 m2
Year | 2017
Status | Concept Design
Location | West Africa
Overview
The Ocean House is an exclusive, two-storey private residence designed by Craft312 Studio, strategically located near the stunning Atlantic Ocean coastline in Africa. This architectural project serves as a luxurious and serene retreat, where the boundaries between the interior living spaces and the breathtaking natural surroundings are blurred. The house is designed to provide both privacy and a deep connection to the landscape, offering expansive views of the ocean, creating a perfect sanctuary for relaxation and contemplation.
Design Concept
The design of Ocean House is built on the principles of harmony between architecture, nature, and sustainable living. The house is conceived as a modern interpretation of coastal living, where sleek contemporary lines meet organic materials sourced from the local environment. The two-storey structure maximizes the site’s potential, carefully crafted to respond to the dynamic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding African terrain.
The first floor of the house consists of open-plan living spaces, including a spacious lounge, dining area, and kitchen, all designed to be interconnected with the exterior. A large terrace opens directly to the outdoors, providing uninterrupted views of the ocean. The second floor hosts the private areas, including bedrooms with expansive windows that further enhance the relationship between the interior and the stunning coastal landscape.
Large floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors facilitate a seamless flow between the inside and outside, allowing the ocean breeze and natural light to permeate the home. The design includes shaded verandas and an infinity pool that appears to merge with the horizon, offering both relaxation and a sense of immersion in the ocean.
Impact
The Ocean House project by Craft312 Studio has a significant impact in both architectural and environmental contexts. It demonstrates a bold commitment to sustainability, blending contemporary design with eco-friendly solutions. The house uses locally sourced materials, such as indigenous stone and wood, reflecting the region’s natural resources while supporting the local economy.
Craft312 Studio has focused on minimizing the environmental impact of the Ocean House through innovative building techniques and a strong commitment to energy efficiency. The structure incorporates passive cooling strategies, maximizing natural ventilation and shading to reduce the need for air conditioning. Solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems have been integrated into the design to make the house energy-independent and self-sufficient.
The design also respects and enhances the surrounding environment by maintaining low visual and physical impact on the coastal landscape. The use of elevated platforms and carefully planned landscaping minimizes the ecological footprint, ensuring the preservation of the surrounding ecosystem.
Key Features
Two-Storey Design
The Ocean House is a thoughtfully planned two-storey residence that is designed to take full advantage of its spectacular coastal location. The upper floor, which houses the private spaces such as bedrooms, offers unrivaled panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, while the lower level is dedicated to social and communal areas that seamlessly connect to the outdoor environment.
Open-Plan Living Spaces
The interior layout embraces an open-plan design that encourages fluid movement between spaces. The expansive living room, dining area, and kitchen flow into one another, creating a sense of openness and space. This design allows for easy interaction while enjoying uninterrupted views of the ocean, bringing a sense of the outdoors inside.
Indoor-Outdoor Integration
The house is designed to seamlessly merge with the landscape through large, sliding glass doors that connect the interior living spaces to the exterior terraces. The boundaries between indoor and outdoor living are virtually nonexistent, allowing natural light, fresh air, and stunning views to infuse every corner of the home.
Private Terraces and Balconies
The Ocean House features multiple private terraces and balconies, strategically placed to enhance privacy and offer exclusive views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding landscape. These outdoor spaces are perfect for intimate moments of relaxation or for hosting guests, making the most of the year-round temperate climate.
Sustainable Building Materials
The use of local, sustainable materials is a key feature of the project. Indigenous stone, locally sourced wood, and natural finishes have been incorporated to blend the house harmoniously with its environment. These materials not only ensure that the house complements the local landscape but also reduce the carbon footprint of the construction.
Energy-Efficient Solutions
The Ocean House incorporates cutting-edge energy-efficient technologies to reduce its environmental impact. The design employs natural ventilation, with strategically placed openings and shading to reduce the need for artificial cooling. Solar panels provide renewable energy, and the house is designed to harness natural sunlight, minimizing energy consumption.
Rainwater Harvesting System
To enhance the house’s sustainability, a rainwater harvesting system is integrated into the design. This system captures and stores rainwater, which is then used for irrigation, plumbing, and other non-potable purposes, reducing the home's dependency on municipal water sources.
Landscaping and Environmental Harmony
The landscaping surrounding the Ocean House is designed to blend naturally with the coastal environment. The use of native plants and low-maintenance greenery ensures minimal environmental disruption while providing a lush, serene atmosphere around the home. The landscaping is also designed to reduce soil erosion and protect the surrounding ecosystem.
Privacy and Seclusion
The design ensures maximum privacy, using thoughtful positioning of the house on the site and the strategic use of walls, landscaping, and shading elements. The architecture and site planning offer a secluded retreat where residents can enjoy both intimacy and unobstructed views of the ocean.
Minimalist Design Aesthetic
The design of the Ocean House embraces minimalist principles, focusing on clean lines, open spaces, and an understated elegance. This simplicity enhances the connection with the surrounding landscape, allowing the natural beauty of the ocean and coastal environment to remain the focal point of the home.