House 1897 is a town house located in the historic district of Kaimakli in Nicosia constructed with stone and adobe bricks and features traditional elements typical of the local architecture. The main structure dates back to 1897 but has undergone two interventions/additions at later dates.
Ideas of fluidity and seamless connections while respecting and restoring the architectural features of the original house became the focus of the design. Careful incisions in the existing shell create a more fluid circulation path and a visual layering between old and new, inside and outside. The new extensions enlarge and enrich the quality of the existing spaces by bringing in light and creating a more functional space.
The 3.5m tall by 8m long glass addition completes the gap that existed between the original 1897 house and a later addition. On the inside, it becomes the backdrop to the two stone arches of the original house creating a new living room in what was an otherwise a long corridor. The main living room becomes the connector between the two wings of the original structure, seamlessly extending the existing interior. When the glass is fully open inside and outside blur turning the focus onto the courtyard by extending the living space outside taking advantage of the temperate Mediterranean climate.
A smaller glass extension creates an additional connection from the kitchen to the garden bringing much needed light into another part of the house.
The floor to ceiling glass additions that form the exterior walls of the living and kitchen areas create contrasting light conditions to the thick solid walls and smaller apertures of the existing shell.
All existing apertures and woodwork were restored to their original state. Mechanical, electrical and automation systems were carefully designed as to not alter the traditional ceilings and material. New materials and textures were chosen to contrast the original ones.
The courtyard has been levelled and landscaped and becomes an extension of the main interior space. Broken into levels and zones of smaller areas that resemble exterior rooms. Each one centered around one of the existing trees, they take advantage of orientation, sunlight and shade, and can be used at different times of the day and night. Garden storage and a mechanical room are hidden in a wood clad box that becomes the backdrop to the garden. Text description by the architects.
