Pixelhouse: A Masterpiece of Modern Architecture

Exploring The Grid Architects' Award-Winning Residential Design

The Grid Architects drew inspiration from the antipodal requirements of privacy and togetherness for the design of Pixelhouse. The concept of the villa was driven by the building block of digital imagery - the pixel. The design incorporates biophilia features, creating a home that embraces natural conditions to maximize the feeling of connectedness to the outside. The architectural form emerged as a stepped form with spaces at all levels enjoying elevated pockets of greenery that also serve as congregational spaces.

Pixelhouse stands out for its energy-efficient systems, including double glazing unit glass, rainwater harvesting, solar panels, electric charger at parking, inverter-based air conditioners, and oxygen generating local species of plants. The material palette is basic yet effective, featuring wood, stone, and concrete selected to maintain the thermal mass. The central atrium staircase, lit from the skylight, and walls cladded in bricks reduce the heat quotient and sharp reflection, making the design responsive to local climate patterns.

The realization of Pixelhouse involved creating a continuity of setbacks on each subsequent level adjoined by greens. The composition connected communal zones spread across the three floors, expanding the garden area within the internal spaces. All bathrooms feature skylights, thus enjoying the same connection to the outdoors as the rest of the interior. The manifestation of the pixel concept is seen at the entrance via broad platform steps and the canopy above articulated as an exposed concrete structure.

The technical specifications of Pixelhouse reflect a minimal and natural direction. Stone, wood, and exposed brick are teamed with simple lime plaster. Rooms on the ground floor are connected to the landscaping, while the living features double height glazing. The dining extends into a deck sheltering under a pergola. The main door bears a similar design handle in continuum to the entire composition, with the highlight being the staircase block.

The Grid Architects faced several challenges during the design process, including maximizing the area of the house, optimizing the view to the north garden, and devising a construction strategy to keep the home weatherproof during its transformation. Despite these challenges, the team successfully created a series of outdoor congregational areas built into the very fabric of the building, resulting in a design that is both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally sensitive.

Pixelhouse is a testament to The Grid Architects' commitment to innovative and sustainable design. The project was awarded Silver in A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2021, a testament to its outstanding expertise and innovation. This design, admired for its strong technical characteristics and splendid artistic skill, showcases a remarkable level of excellence and introduces positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.