Mijan Holiday House

Yaser and Yasin Rashid Shomali

Interview about Mijan Holiday House, winner of the A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award 2023

About the Project

Drawing inspiration from local buildings with sloping roofs, this architectural design blends traditional and modern elements. The wooden sloping roof provides a cozy atmosphere inside and a striking shape outside. Adding modern touches created a design that harmoniously blends with the surroundings. The solid form feels powerful and safe, while the fluid and corner shapes, warm colors, and unique floor materials inside create a cozy feel. The second conventional area elevates the viewer's eye level, presenting different points of view.

Design Details
  • Designer:
    Yaser and Yasin Rashid Shomali
  • Design Name:
    Mijan Holiday House
  • Designed For:
    Shomali Design Studio
  • Award Category:
    A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award
  • Award Year:
    2023
  • Last Updated:
    November 2, 2024
Learn More About This Design

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

View Design Details
Your innovative blend of traditional sloping roofs with modern architectural elements in Mijan Holiday House has earned you the Silver A' Design Award - could you elaborate on how this harmonious fusion emerged during your creative process?

The fusion of traditional sloping roofs with modern architectural elements in Mijan Holiday House emerged from our shared desire to create a dialogue between past and present. Our creative process began with an exploration of local architectural heritage, where sloping roofs hold both functional and cultural significance. By integrating these traditional forms with contemporary materials and techniques, we aimed to design a space that respects its roots while embracing innovation. This harmonious blend was refined through collaborative sketches and models, allowing us to visualize how these elements could coexist in a cohesive design. The result is a structure that feels both familiar and forward-thinking, inviting guests to experience the best of both worlds.

The striking wooden sloping roof of Mijan Holiday House creates both a cozy interior atmosphere and a powerful exterior presence - what inspired your decision to make this architectural element such a central feature of the design?

Our decision to make the wooden sloping roof a central feature of Mijan Holiday House was inspired by the need to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that resonates with the natural surroundings. We wanted the roof not only to serve as a protective element but also as a statement of comfort and elegance. The choice of wood was significant; it evokes feelings of coziness and connects the home to the lush landscape that envelops it. By emphasizing the roof's slope, we aimed to draw the eye upward, enhancing the home’s presence against the skyline while ensuring that the interior remains intimate and relaxing.

How did the rainy local environment influence your material choices and structural decisions for Mijan Holiday House, particularly regarding the steel structure and standing seam roof implementation?

The rainy environment of the region played a crucial role in our material choices and structural decisions for Mijan Holiday House. We selected a steel structure for its durability and resistance to corrosion, ensuring that the home withstands local weather conditions over time. Additionally, the standing seam roof was implemented for its effectiveness in shedding water, minimizing the risk of leaks and damage. This choice enhances the building's longevity while complementing the aesthetic of the sloping roof, maintaining a sleek and modern silhouette.

The fluid corner shapes and warm interior elements of Mijan Holiday House create an intriguing contrast with its bold exterior - could you walk us through your approach to balancing these different aesthetic experiences?

Balancing the fluid corner shapes and warm interior elements with the bold exterior of Mijan Holiday House required a thoughtful approach in our design collaboration. We aimed to create a visual and experiential contrast that invites exploration. The exterior’s strong lines and angles establish a powerful presence, while the interior elements, such as rounded corners and soft textures, offer a sense of comfort and tranquility. This duality was achieved through careful material selection and spatial planning, allowing each area to evoke different feelings and experiences while maintaining a cohesive overall aesthetic.

In developing Mijan Holiday House, how did you overcome the challenge of combining solid forms with sloping roofs while working within strict height limitations?

Combining solid forms with sloping roofs while adhering to strict height limitations was a significant challenge we faced during the development of Mijan Holiday House. We approached this by employing creative design strategies, such as using cantilevered elements that extend the usable space without increasing the overall height. This innovative technique allows for a dynamic interplay between solid and sloping forms, creating a visually engaging structure that feels larger than it is. Additionally, we focused on optimizing the interior layout to ensure spaciousness, even within the constraints imposed by local regulations.

The large picture windows in Mijan Holiday House appear to follow the form of the sloping roof - what considerations guided your approach to creating this transparency and fluidity between interior and exterior spaces?

The design of large picture windows in Mijan Holiday House was guided by our desire to enhance the relationship between the interior and exterior spaces. By aligning the windows with the sloping roof, we aimed to create a sense of continuity and fluidity that encourages natural light to flow into the home. This transparency not only frames the beautiful views outside but also brings the surrounding landscape into the living spaces, blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors. The strategic placement of these windows fosters an immersive experience, allowing residents to feel connected to nature at all times.

Could you elaborate on how the second conventional area in Mijan Holiday House was designed to elevate the viewer's perspective, and what specific experiences you aimed to create through these different viewpoints?

The second conventional area in Mijan Holiday House was designed to elevate the viewer's perspective, offering a unique vantage point to appreciate the surrounding landscape. We aimed to create a spatial experience that invites visitors to engage with their environment differently. By incorporating elevated platforms and strategically placed seating, this area provides an opportunity for reflection and enjoyment of the scenic views. Our design encourages interaction with nature, fostering a deeper connection to the site and enhancing the overall experience of the home.

How does Mijan Holiday House reflect the evolution of your studio's design philosophy, particularly in terms of creating harmony between modern architectural innovation and local building traditions?

Mijan Holiday House reflects the evolution of our studio's design philosophy by embodying a harmonious blend of modern innovation and local traditions. This project represents a pivotal moment in our work, where we sought to integrate contemporary architectural practices with cultural context. The design emphasizes sustainability and respect for the environment while pushing the boundaries of traditional forms. This balance is crucial as it honors local heritage while setting a precedent for future designs that aspire to be both innovative and culturally resonant.

The integration of Mijan Holiday House with its surroundings appears seamless - could you share your strategy for extending the sloping roof to the corner ground and how this contributes to the overall futuristic form?

The seamless integration of Mijan Holiday House with its surroundings was achieved through a deliberate design strategy that extends the sloping roof to the ground. By creating this connection, we aimed to establish a visual and physical relationship between the structure and its landscape. This approach not only enhances the futuristic form of the building but also reinforces its role within the environment, creating a sense of belonging. The extended roof acts as a protective canopy, inviting nature to become an integral part of the home's experience while providing shade and shelter.

As Silver A' Design Award recipients, how do you envision Mijan Holiday House influencing future architectural approaches to holiday homes, particularly in areas where climate plays a crucial role in design decisions?

As Silver A' Design Award recipients, we envision Mijan Holiday House influencing future architectural approaches to holiday homes by highlighting the importance of climate-responsive design. This project showcases how thoughtful integration of local materials and sustainable practices can create spaces that are not only beautiful but also functional in challenging environments. By demonstrating innovative solutions, such as the sloping roof and durable materials, we hope to inspire architects to prioritize environmental considerations in their work. Ultimately, Mijan Holiday House stands as a testament to the potential for holiday homes to harmonize with their surroundings while enhancing the overall experience for occupants.

Explore Our Special Features

Dive into a world of design excellence with our curated highlights. Each feature showcases outstanding creativity, innovation, and impact from the design world. Discover inspiration and learn more about these incredible achievements.