warped around a tree, this modular house proposal explores the future of living

‘house for humans and a tree’ by sneha dhanuka + dhruv shah

‘house for humans and a tree’ is an architectural proposal that spotlights the possible future of domestic living. led by sneha dhanuka and dhruv shah, the project is envisioned in the village of dobrava, slovenia, as a compact and sustainable volume that is ‘close’ to nature. 

taking to instagram, shah writes:’with the future clearly in sight, how do we redefine living? how do we re-interpret the very concept of a home? can homes be designed WITH nature, having a minimal impact while simultaneously adding value to the quality of life? ‘

all images © sneha dhanuka and dhruv shah

a modular and integrated design that co-exists with nature

dhanuka (see works here) and shah (see more here) developed the design with a strong visual and physical connection to the surroundings. for one thing, the house is placed around an existing tree to avoid disturbing the topography. the roof, meanwhile, acts as a playful extension of the landscape. 

rooftops, typically, cannot be experienced unless accessed from the top floor of a house or building. here, the roof plane was modulated in such a way that it became ‘the central element, dividing the house into the activity and resting zones, while having its own sculptural presence as well,’ elaborates shah.

the roof becomes a playful extension of the landscape

made primarily from wood and rammed earth, the house comprises three spaces for living, resting, and recreation. like the roof volume, the interiors are modular, with furniture that can be used in different ways to accommodate various activities. finally, wooden screen doors create a sense of privacy when closed and offer a visual connection to the farm-like, slovenian landscape when opened.

the proposal won the HOUSE 2.0 competition led by professional networking web application archdais.

set in dobrava, slovenia, the proposal features strong visual + physical connections to the surroundings

golden hour – closer look at the integrated details of rammed earth and wood

view of the modular interiors, with the roof volume acting as a dividing element

‘house for humans and a tree’ during wintertime

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project info:

name: house for humans and a tree
location: dobrava, slovenia
architectural team: sneha dhanuka | @sneha_dhanuka, dhruv shah | @dhruv.shah___

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lea zeitoun | designboom