GARDENER’S HOUSE

This compact 62.5 m² residence in Dzoraghbyur illustrates how contemporary architectural principles can generate a powerful spatial presence within modest dimensions. Nestled in the Kotayk region of Armenia, the house integrates seamlessly with its natural surroundings while expressing a distinctly modern character. The design philosophy rests on clean geometric forms, material honesty, and a thoughtful balance between regional traditions and contemporary minimalism.

Monolithic concrete construction forms the structural backbone of the residence, providing both durability and the thermal mass well-suited to the local climate. The material’s inherent strength allows for a clear, expressive architectural language that reflects purity of form. Fair-faced concrete surfaces reveal the texture of the formwork, creating a visual continuity between structure and finish while reinforcing the building’s minimalist identity. This material strategy not only ensures longevity but also minimizes maintenance in a rural setting.

The architectural composition incorporates structural elements that serve more than one purpose. The prominent exterior concrete staircase functions both as a circulation route and as a sculptural component defining the building’s silhouette. A cantilevered pergola structure extends the architecture outward, shaping outdoor living zones while providing essential solar control. These features demonstrate how functional requirements can enhance the clarity and refinement of the overall design rather than compromise it.

Landscape integration is central to the project’s conceptual development. Strategic placement and orientation establish strong visual connections with the surrounding terrain, while covered outdoor areas extend the living spaces into the natural environment. The design respects the site’s topography, ensuring accessibility and comfortable circulation without disturbing the landscape’s natural logic.

Despite its compact footprint, the residence achieves remarkable spatial efficiency. Open planning, carefully considered spatial sequencing, and strategic window placement maximize usable area and create a sense of openness. Natural light is introduced selectively to shape comfortable interior atmospheres and to dissolve boundaries between inside and outside. The resulting environment blurs the distinction between built form and natural context, allowing the small house to feel expansive, grounded, and deeply connected to its site.

Overall, this residence stands as an elegant example of how thoughtful design, honest materials, and structural innovation can transform a compact building into an architecture of clarity, presence, and enduring simplicity.