Architect: Studio Toggle Location: Al Bida’a, Kuwait Year of Completion: 2016 Design Team: Hend Almatrouk, Gijo Paul George Photographer: Gijo Paul George. Structural Consultant: Al Turath Consultants Main Contractor: Al Nisf Co.
A photograph of the front facade of the F. Lot house, which has been taken from a considerable distance to provide a wide and comprehensive view of its exterior.This is a close-up photograph of the front facade of the house.A photograph showcasing the unique character of the house’s composition, accentuated by a 5m cantilever that adds a sense of drama to the overall design.This is a photograph of the house’s exterior design, showcasing a 5m cantilever from a different perspective viewpoint.An up-close photograph of the front façade of the house showcasing the gate and fence cladding.A photograph depicting the expansive parking lot area.
A photograph showcasing a portion of the pool area.An image capturing the open gate of the house with a car in the process of exiting.A picture showcasing a longitudinal, floating pool.An up-close photograph of the side of the house highlighting its exterior design elements.An exterior photograph showcasing the front façade of the house as seen from the street.A photograph depicting the bisected, longitudinal pool area.An interior photograph highlighting the design elements of the circular loop staircase.An interior photograph showcasing a spacious room with an expansive glass wall panels.A different perspective interior photograph of a generously proportioned room.A photograph of a hallway providing access to various areas of the house.A different perspective interior photograph of a hallway providing access to different areas of the house.An interior photograph showcasing a capacious area with a partial view of the circular loop staircase.An interior photograph of the art gallery, highlighting its minimalistic color scheme of white plaster, exposed concrete, and white epoxy flooring that creates a sense of ethereal openness within the social spaces.A different perspective interior photograph of the art gallery, showcasing its minimalistic color scheme
The interior of the building is highlighted by a stylish spiral staircase that includes glass walls and sleek stainless steel handrails.The building’s interior is enhanced by a chic spiral staircase, which incorporates glass walls and polished stainless steel handrails.The design includes foldable glass panels for a wall, which create a small balcony enclosed by a glass fence.The focal point of the spacious interior is the elegant spiral staircase design.A beautiful view is captured through the foldable glass wall panels on the small balcony.The interior photograph showcases a spacious kitchen area, complete with a U-shaped center island that features a kitchen hood.In the picture, a woman dressed in attire is operating the kitchen faucet at one of the sink stations.A detailed shot of the kitchen area reveals numerous cabinets mounted on the wall, while a modern oven sits at the center.In the detailed shot, one of the sink stations located at the corner is showcased, which also boasts a full-height glass wall on the left side.
A close-up shot displays a suspended sink station and a wide wall-mounted mirror.In the image, a woman dressed in attire is operating the faucet at one of the sink stations that includes a wide wall mirror.Photo collage of a hallway captured from a different perspective viewpoint.An elegant two hanging lights in the kitchen.Close shot of a kitchen faucet with foster brand.Close shot of the kitchen island featuring numerous white cabinets for storage.Detailed shot of the staircase steps.A bird’s eye view of a spiral staircase.A close shot of a white door with lever type knob.Basement floor plan of F.LotBasement Isometric illustration of F. LotGround floor plan of F. LotGround floor isometric illustration of F. LotFirst floor isometric of F. LotSecond floor plan of F. LotSecond floor isometric illustration of F. LotDiagrams of F. LotPlans and section of F. Lot
The F.LOT house can be described as a minimal composition of 2 seemingly floating masses intersecting at right angles. A 5m cantilever adds drama and gives the composition its unique character. The challenge was to cater for the clients need for a clean open design at while tackling the issues of privacy and shade from the desert heat. Inspired by Donald Judd’s compositions and Louis Barragan’s work, we strived to create a composition that would shield itself from the desert sun by the virtue of its aesthetics.
The form evolved from our attempts to create dramatic self-shading volumes using perpendicular intersections and cantilevers. Clean lines and use of white emphasize the purity of form The house features a 15m long pool which appears to float above the parking. The pool bisects the longitudinal volume which houses the main social spaces and the living quarters.
The open-plan ground floor is organized on either side of the pool, which is quite clearly the focal point of the house. These spaces flow into each other connected by a bridge which is enclosed by panoramic sliding windows. The barrier free design of the ground floor is emphasized by the open kitchen and dining, with sliding-folding doors, giving unrestricted access to the landscape/deck and the pool.
The basement houses the ‘Dewaniya’ (traditional Kuwaiti gathering space for men), parking for 3 cars under the floating pool, and the staff quarters. The Dewaniya opens into a large courtyard at the basement level, covered in white pebbles, which breaks up the harsh Kuwaiti sun and lights up the basement spaces in a glow of diffused natural light. The first floor houses the private living quarters and is lit by panoramic windows on both sides.
Aluminum louvers and deep recessed balconies offer effective sun-protection and mitigate the heat gain due to the large window openings. An austere palette of white plaster, exposed concrete and white epoxy flooring gives the social spaces a sense of ethereal openness reminiscent of an art gallery. The first floor on the other hand features solid teak wood and rough-cut travertine cladding giving the living spaces a warmer texture.
