EJA wraps concrete + brick vermani house around circular courtyard

‘vermani house’ by eleena jamil architect is a remodeling exercise of an existing structure that has turned it into a family home for a couple and their young daughter. the original building has been stripped bare, leaving only its reinforced concrete components onto which walls and a roof were added. a pavilion has been placed to the rear into order to accommodate the bedrooms, study, and gym, and it is separated from the main volume by a circular garden.

the courtyard is defined by the circular shaped terrace
photo © marc tey (also main image)

the residence turns its back to the street with minimal openings on the front façade, effectively providing its occupants maximum privacy. conversely, it opens up fully onto the outdoor terraces around the rear courtyard, which is considered the heart of the house where it bustles with daily activities. here, a simple, straight flight of cement stairs brings circulation to the upper level terrace, which is a bright airy space that links the two parts of the dwelling on the first floor. a metal slide in the living area offers a playful way of navigating vertically.

a slide in the main living area allows playful movement between floors
photo © marc tey

‘from the outset, the owners agreed to the idea that the house will be rough, to feel real, inside and outside – and to do away with ‘cosmetics’ of paint and plaster. brutalism and its aesthetics were discussed, where exposed structure and services can be an interesting background for everyday life,’ says jamil. as such, the project displays its raw construction and tectonic quality and thus, effectively gives it a special poetic dimension. the expansive use of the grey material is complimented by brick and mortar that form the party wall with its adjacent neighbor. meanwhile, handling of natural illuminance is carefully considered, with selective openings on exterior and ceiling, bringing in a combination of diffused light and rays of sunshine depending on the time of day.

(left) materials are kept deliberately raw and natural as backdrop of everyday activities
(right) a pool is located along the side of the house
photo © marc tey

the natural background becomes the backdrop for everyday activities
photo © marc tey

the terrace provides a cool shaded space between the two main volumes of the house
photo © marc tey

a simple concrete stair leads down to the ground floor courtyard terrace
photo © marc tey

precast concrete wall lines the edge of the water
photo © marc tey

exposed brick walls are used to define spaces
photo © marc tey

view of the pool from the porch
photo © marc tey

the house turns its back to the street along the front
photo © marc tey

plans

section

axonometric diagram

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