M2H DESIGN STUDIO, Kuwait, 2011-2012, Competition winner, Principal Architect
The Introverted House was inspired by the desire to have a very open, yet private, house. The client is a mother of three who was interested in having abundant outdoor spaces and gardens to entertain and for her children to play in. It was important for her to be able to monitor her children at all times and have a home that unifies the family instead of separating them by large, isolated spaces. While openness and light are important factors of the design, the owner also demanded the main spaces be exposed to a private semi-enclosed garden. Consequently, the principal architect proposed a house in which the floor print of the building is minimized to allow the pool and garden to be central focal points within the private core of the house. A dynamic, multifunctional landscape is created on the ground level, which is largely shaded by the upper floors. The slits and pockets serve several functions, such as providing natural ventilation and maximizing views between the spaces.