Lako Holiday House

Yaser and Yasin Rashid Shomali

Interview about Lako Holiday House , winner of the A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award 2022

About the Project

Used a solid and simple form to make a powerful and safe feeling. The primary goal was to create harmony with the surrounding by extending the sloping roof to the ground. Thus, the futuristic and modern form was born during this process. Contrary to a solid and cold exterior, the interior has fluid shapes, warm colors, and unique floor materials to make a cozy feel. Also, the low level conventional area brings down the viewer's eye level and presents different points of view.

Design Details
  • Designer:
    Yaser and Yasin Rashid Shomali
  • Design Name:
    Lako Holiday House
  • Designed For:
    Shomali Design Studio
  • Award Category:
    A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award
  • Award Year:
    2022
  • Last Updated:
    November 3, 2024
Learn More About This Design

View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.

View Design Details
Your innovative approach to extending the sloping roof of Lako Holiday House to the ground creates a striking harmony with its surroundings - could you elaborate on how this architectural decision evolved during your creative process?

The decision to extend the sloping roof of Lako Holiday House to the ground evolved organically throughout our creative process. Initially, we aimed to create a structure that felt connected to the landscape, so we explored various roof designs that would enhance that connection. As we sketched and modeled our ideas, we realized that a gradual extension of the roof could visually and physically integrate the house with its surroundings. This approach not only provided shelter but also created a continuous flow between the built environment and nature, resulting in a striking harmony that invites the landscape into the living space while maintaining a bold architectural statement.

The contrast between Lako Holiday House's solid exterior and fluid interior spaces is particularly intriguing - what inspired your decision to create this deliberate juxtaposition of elements, and how does it enhance the overall living experience?

The contrast between the solid exterior and fluid interior spaces of Lako Holiday House was inspired by our desire to create a dynamic living experience. We envisioned the exterior as a protective shell that offers a sense of security, while the interior is designed to evoke a sense of openness and tranquility. This deliberate juxtaposition enhances the overall living experience by allowing occupants to feel both grounded and liberated. The solid forms provide stability and strength, while the fluid spaces foster creativity and relaxation, encouraging a seamless transition between the two states of being.

The low-level conventional area in Lako Holiday House offers unique viewing perspectives - could you share your philosophical approach behind manipulating viewer eye levels and how this architectural strategy influences spatial perception?

Our philosophical approach to manipulating eye levels in Lako Holiday House centers on enhancing spatial perception and creating unique viewing experiences. We designed low-level conventional areas intentionally to draw occupants closer to the ground, fostering a sense of intimacy with the surrounding environment. By varying the height of spaces, we encourage occupants to engage with their surroundings from different perspectives, promoting a deeper connection to nature. This architectural strategy not only influences how spaces are perceived but also enriches the overall experience by inviting exploration and contemplation.

As recipients of the Silver A' Design Award for Lako Holiday House, how did your commitment to blending modern design with natural surroundings contribute to creating an innovative retreat that pushes the boundaries of contemporary architecture?

Our commitment to blending modern design with natural surroundings played a pivotal role in the creation of Lako Holiday House as an innovative retreat. By prioritizing the use of local materials and sustainable practices, we sought to push the boundaries of contemporary architecture while remaining respectful of the environment. This approach allowed us to create a space that feels both timeless and cutting-edge, where the design complements the landscape rather than competes with it. Winning the Silver A' Design Award reinforces our belief that architecture can be both modern and harmonious with nature, inspiring future projects to embrace this philosophy.

The warm colors and unique floor materials in Lako Holiday House create an engaging contrast with its futuristic exterior - could you walk us through your material selection process and how these choices support the emotional experience you envisioned?

The warm colors and unique floor materials in Lako Holiday House were carefully selected to create an engaging contrast with its futuristic exterior. During our material selection process, we aimed to evoke feelings of warmth and comfort that resonate with the natural environment. By incorporating organic textures and colors, we foster an emotional connection between the occupants and the space. These choices support the envisioned emotional experience of the house, creating a welcoming atmosphere that invites relaxation and reflection, while beautifully complementing the sleek, modern lines of the exterior.

Lako Holiday House demonstrates a remarkable balance between providing a safe, powerful presence while maintaining elegant simplicity - how did you achieve this delicate equilibrium in your design approach?

Achieving a delicate equilibrium between a safe, powerful presence and elegant simplicity in Lako Holiday House required thoughtful design decisions. We focused on clean lines and minimalistic forms that convey strength without overwhelming the senses. By using a restrained palette and carefully considering proportions, we ensured that the design remains elegant and understated while making a bold statement. This balance allows the architecture to feel both secure and inviting, creating a harmonious environment that promotes comfort and relaxation.

Your vision for Lako Holiday House as an elegant retreat for activities like reading with endless coffee seems deeply personal - how did this specific use case influence your architectural and interior design decisions?

Our vision for Lako Holiday House as an elegant retreat for activities like reading and enjoying endless coffee is indeed deeply personal. This specific use case influenced our architectural and interior design decisions by guiding us to create spaces that foster comfort and introspection. We designed cozy nooks and spacious areas that encourage leisurely activities, ensuring that each space is adaptable to different moods and needs. This focus on creating a sanctuary for relaxation and creativity shaped the overall layout and aesthetic, resulting in a home that feels both inviting and inspiring.

The fluid shapes within Lako Holiday House create an intriguing dialogue with its geometric exterior - could you explain how this intentional contrast reflects your studio's philosophy of mixing old-fashioned and modern elements?

The fluid shapes within Lako Holiday House intentionally create an intriguing dialogue with its geometric exterior, reflecting our studio's philosophy of blending old-fashioned and modern elements. We believe that architecture should tell a story, and this contrast embodies that narrative. The fluid forms represent organic influences and human experiences, while the geometric exterior symbolizes stability and contemporary design. This intentional mix highlights our commitment to creating spaces that honor tradition while embracing innovation, allowing occupants to experience both comfort and modernity in their environment.

Looking at the future impact of Lako Holiday House's design language, how do you envision this project influencing the evolution of holiday home architecture, particularly in natural settings?

Looking toward the future impact of Lako Holiday House's design language, we envision this project influencing the evolution of holiday home architecture, particularly in natural settings. By demonstrating how modern design can harmonize with the environment, we hope to inspire architects to prioritize sustainability and local context in their work. The integration of natural materials and innovative design solutions can set a precedent for future holiday homes, encouraging a new generation of architects to create spaces that enhance the beauty of their surroundings while providing comfort and functionality.

The integration of Lako Holiday House with its environment appears seamless yet bold - could you share specific challenges you encountered while balancing architectural innovation with environmental harmony, and how these challenges shaped the final design?

The integration of Lako Holiday House with its environment was both seamless and bold, but it came with specific challenges. Balancing architectural innovation with environmental harmony required careful planning and execution. We encountered obstacles such as site topography and local climate considerations that influenced our design strategies. By collaborating closely with landscape architects and engineers, we found solutions that allowed us to push creative boundaries while respecting the natural landscape. This process shaped the final design, resulting in a home that feels like a natural extension of its surroundings, embodying our vision of innovative yet responsible architecture.

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