Organic Villa Atrium

The primary design challenge lay in balancing the high thermal load of a double-height glass atrium with strict energy-efficiency goals. High seasonal temperature shifts in the lakefront region required a passive airflow solution to prevent greenhouse-like overheating during summer and excessive heat loss during winter.

Inspired by the organic strength and curvature of nautilus shells. The structural ribs are cast in local low-carbon white concrete, supporting large double-glazed panels with real-time solar tint adjustment. The central atrium features a floating spiral staircase leading to a green rooftop garden concept.

A concentric layout flowing outwards from a double-height central glass atrium. Living areas are arranged in a shell-like spiral structure, maintaining visual connectivity while providing acoustic privacy zones. High-volume spaces are situated near the core to drive warm air upwards during winter, venting through automatic roof skylights.

A sensory balance of warm structural textures and high-performance glass surfaces. Satin white low-carbon concrete ribs form the structural core, softened by native white oak joinery and local limestone walls.

Designed with passive design thinking, the project utilizes a concentric envelope to optimize natural air convective currents. Smart-tinting double-glazed facades form a daylight strategy that reduces solar heat gain, combined with local limestone aggregates for material efficiency and low transportation impact.