S1 Villa / Paul Kaloustian

Beirut-based Paul Kaloustian Architect shared with us his project S1 Villa, located in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. More images and architect’s description after the break.
We were approached by the client of this villa in Sharm el Sheikh in 2008 and were asked to remodel an existing structure that was fragmented in its massing and chaotic in its plan with mixed architectural styles (Indian, Mexican etc)
Our approach was mainly to give “meaning” to the existing mass by adding or demolishing volumes while responding to the client’s lifestyle.
The very large program is fragmented into several volumes of different heights and sizes reflecting parts of the program inside such as external entrance piazza, internal entrance hall, living spaces, dining and kitchen spaces, office, bedrooms, internal pools etc.
This strategy allows us to create in-between spaces such as terraces, courtyards and piazzas while creating a unique spatial identity to each volume due to its size and height and window openings.
This “explosion” of the program is balanced by a unifying element that is the perforated steel roof that allows the exterior spaces (courtyards and terraces) to be protected from the direct sun.
The water features that are used in this project are an integral part of the design and reinforce the idea of blurring the limit between the inside and the outside. The indoor spaces have the same water features as the outside: water ponds, pools etc .