Master's thesis project, 2023
“How can architecture be designed to create a soft minimalistic home providing calm and simple spaces for experiences of harmony free from distractions?”
The sensory experience of architecture and its effects on the quality of life and well-being serves as background and inspiration for this thesis.
In today’s fast-paced and often stressful society, there is a growing need for calm and peaceful environments that allow individuals to disconnect from distractions and connect with themselves. This thesis aims to research how to design architecture to create a home that addresses the resident’s needs and well-being rather than simply serving as a means of artistic expression. It aims to contribute to the discourse surrounding architectural design for the human senses. There may be endless different answers on how to design architecture to serve its users and address all senses, the mind as much as the body. But the question remains essential, why this research aims to contribute with one example of that.
In today’s fast-paced and often stressful society, there is a growing need for calm and peaceful environments that allow individuals to disconnect from distractions and connect with themselves. This thesis aims to research how to design architecture to create a home that addresses the resident’s needs and well-being rather than simply serving as a means of artistic expression. It aims to contribute to the discourse surrounding architectural design for the human senses. There may be endless different answers on how to design architecture to serve its users and address all senses, the mind as much as the body. But the question remains essential, why this research aims to contribute with one example of that.
Despite the high position of the plot and its exposure to the south-westerly winds, it feels protected. The tall and dense pine forest that surrounds the site offers a shield against the wind, and the northeastern part of the site has a unique character where the high crowns of the trees create a large and dense canopy above one's head. The plot enjoys sun exposure throughout the day, with the tree canopies providing just the right shade and offering a sunset over the water in the evening.
Villa Kjelvik is thoughtfully designed to consist of three distinct zones - the social, neutral, and private zone. This clear division of zones promotes a sense of calm and security, allowing one to choose whether to socialise or withdraw. To further emphasise and reinforce the unique characteristics of each zone, the social zone is situated in the more open and exposed part of the site, offering a panoramic view of the ocean. This zone is for social interactions and features spacious areas for gathering. The neutral zone acts as the link between the two other zones and maintains a neutral character with the task of welcoming, directing and holding the space together. The private zone is located in the more protected part of the property and is primarily oriented towards the trees and nature. This zone is meant for stillness and quiet reflection, offering spacious but cosy rooms for those who prefer to spend time in a more introspective atmosphere.
As you open the entrance door, you immediately have a connection to the outside through the window ahead, overlooking the surrounding tall pine forest.
At the entrance, you find ample storage space. Despite its simple and sleek expression, you get to step in with your muddy shoes after a walk in the woods. The opening to the walk-in closet makes it easy to put away your shoes or hang your coat as soon as you enter through the door. The entrance facilitates and serves its users with a constant calm and orderly aesthetic.
As you step out of the entrance and look to your left, you are immediately aware of the view of the ocean. The corridor creates a clear and direct axis that maintains a connection to nature outside no matter which direction you turn.
In the social areas, there is a constant view of the ocean and plenty of space for socialising. The kitchen allows for social interactions while cooking and extra space for an expanded dining table if necessary.
A wide fireplace stands as a centrepiece in the space and screens off the living room without fully closing it off.
The size of the living room enables different seating arrangements and provides intimate but spacious qualities due to its position and large windows. On the right side of the living room, you can step out onto the wind-protected outdoor space that offers both shade and sun during the day.
On your way from the social zone looking down the corridor past the neutral zone and the entrance, you notice the line of sight that offers a view of the tall trees on the other side of the plot. Upon reaching the large window down the hallway, you spot a small workspace. The room offers a view overlooking the backyard and functions as an extra room that can be closed off if needed.
The various directions of the ceiling beams amplify the division of the different zones, while the materials, colours and textures follow the theme seamlessly throughout the building, creating a cohesive atmosphere.
There are three spacious bedrooms in the villa, each carefully designed to provide a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere for moments of stillness and reflection. The larger scale of the bedrooms also means room for extra beds if needed. The two bedrooms located at opposite ends of the house offer views of the ocean and the forest. The third bedroom, located in the middle, is designed to maximise the overview of the forest with its large glass sliding door in front of the bed. Each room provides built-in wardrobes and desk space. The curtain rails have been built into the oak window frames, ensuring the curtains hang perfectly and seamlessly.
The new complementary buildings offer the residents extra living space. The space provides opportunities for different furniture arrangements based on need and usage.
Monolithic clay blocks as the construction material became a natural choice early. Not only because of its environmental sustainability benefits but also because of its many other benefits such as energy, time and cost efficiency, comfort and durability. A light beige hydraulic lime render covers the exterior and merges seamlessly with the interior clay plaster, creating a cohesive and serene atmosphere with the softly contrasting elements of stained oak.
Every building element, like the glulam beams resting on the monolithic walls, stands exposed yet woven together to create the rooms that embrace you. The visible construction enhances an understanding of its structure and strengthens the feeling of authenticity and trust. The chosen materials in neutral earthy colours enhance the sense of calm and simplicity. They continue consistently throughout the building to avoid distraction.
My fascination with how we experience architecture and its effects on our quality of life and well-being has been with me for many years. It is something I always come back to; the wish to contribute to the experiences of harmony and peace with calm and simple spaces, and with this research, I wanted to understand what that could be or look like.
The concept applies to various spaces and buildings, but I wanted to research an environment that is the closest to us, where we spend most of our time and where it is essential we feel safe and calm - in our home.
The result highlights the importance of incorporating qualities in the design process that provide experiences of harmony and allows individuals to escape the stress and distractions of modern society.
My hope is that this research can inspire others to address the subject in their own way and work, or in the process of finding out what makes them feel calm and harmonious in their home environment.
The concept applies to various spaces and buildings, but I wanted to research an environment that is the closest to us, where we spend most of our time and where it is essential we feel safe and calm - in our home.
The result highlights the importance of incorporating qualities in the design process that provide experiences of harmony and allows individuals to escape the stress and distractions of modern society.
My hope is that this research can inspire others to address the subject in their own way and work, or in the process of finding out what makes them feel calm and harmonious in their home environment.
