Case Study - Group 1
A Living Landscape: Where Architecture Follows the Land
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At the heart of this project lies a deep respect for the natural contours of the land. Rather than reshaping the terrain to accommodate construction, the housing layout is conceived as a gentle extension of the hillside itself. Each home is carefully positioned along the existing contour lines, forming a terraced arrangement that flows organically with the slope. This approach not only reduces the environmental impact of excavation and leveling but also preserves the natural hydrology and ecological character of the site.
The result is a built environment that feels anchored to its place—where architecture doesn’t impose, but collaborates with nature.
To further emphasize the beauty and vitality of the natural setting, every housing unit is designed with a vertical gardenat its rear. These living walls serve as more than aesthetic features; they act as green lungs for each home, improving air quality, supporting biodiversity, and offering a direct visual and emotional connection to the environment. The vertical gardens transform each rear façade into a canvas of living texture, bringing the seasonal rhythms of nature directly into daily life.
Importantly, all homes share a uniform orientation, a decision rooted in both design clarity and spatial equity. This alignment ensures that the units situated further upslope enjoy uninterrupted views of the lush vertical gardens cascading down the hillside. The effect is one of continuity and harmony—each home contributing to a collective green panorama, where no view is obstructed, and every resident is immersed in the natural richness of the site.
This design concept redefines residential development as an ecological choreography, where homes are not isolated objects but integral elements in a layered, living landscape—inviting a lifestyle that is sustainable, sensorial, and deeply attuned to place.
A Central Heart for Community Life
At the core of the community lies a centralized communal space—a thoughtfully designed gathering point where residents come together to connect, unwind, and share in everyday moments. More than just an amenity, this shared space functions as the social heart of the neighborhood, inviting spontaneous interaction as well as organized communal activities.
Technical Drawings
Its location is strategically placed to serve all residents equally. By ensuring that each home is approximately equidistant from the communal area, the design fosters a sense of inclusivity and shared ownership. No home is privileged over another; everyone enjoys equal access to this vibrant common ground, reinforcing the values of equity and togetherness.Surrounding this central space, the housing units are arranged in a free-cluster layout, shaped not by rigid grids but by the natural rhythm of the land itself. Each unit follows the site’s contour lines, creating a composition that feels organic, grounded, and intimately connected to the terrain.
This arrangement is not only visually harmonious—it’s functionally intelligent. By following the contours, the pathways that lead to each home remain relatively flat and accessible, despite the site’s sloping nature. This ensures comfortable movement for all residents, regardless of age or ability, and eliminates the harsh inclines often associated with hillside living.
Elements & Details
Together, these design elements create a community that is both physically connected and emotionally cohesive—a place where shared spaces enhance daily life, and where the landscape is not just preserved, but celebrated as part of the architectural language.
“This project offers a compelling vision for hillside living—where thoughtful design nurtures connection, accessibility, and harmony with the land, transforming a challenging terrain into a thriving, inclusive community.”