C. F. Møller Architects | Villa Rotunda Housing

in Concept & Competition by editor — 1:08 pm | June 18, 20120 comments

Villa Rotunda consists of eight circular multi-storey blocks with a view of the Øresund. Six of these are free-standing and contain apartments, while the other two are conjoined and contain offices and a café.

The challenge
The area is currently a verdant, slightly anonymous estate, very private and enclosed, with large, dull buildings surrounded by hedges and fences. The area’s greatest potential lies in its proximity to the sea and the special light this provides.

• The new development aims to improve the sea view – also for the surrounding buildings. Currently, only limited sea views are available.
• The verdant character should be preserved despite the increased intensity of use.
• The development must possess a unique, identity-creating architectural profile.
• The water lies to the east, while the best sunlight comes from the west. The solution should give the greatest possible degree of transparency.

The solution

The eight round 3½ to 4½-storey buildings are staggered in relation to each other. The circular form and the staggered location provide the best possible sea views, while at the same time improving the view for the neighbouring buildings. The architectural design represents a modern interpretation of the best traditions of the district, yet remains unique and up-to-date.

The six residential units have the same diameter. Although simple and serial in form, the apartments are very different, as their interiors –- despite the round shape – are structured on a rectangular basis. This produces a fine tension inside the apartments, with the outer walls acting as the identity-creating element in the rooms. By cutting at top and bottom, the circular form is provided with varying conclusions at rooftop level.

Bays can be added, with displacements along the façade where you can capture the sun and the view of the landscape, with the sea as the main experiential element. All of the apartments have at least one south or west-facing balcony.The circular forms are united by a slightly raised plateau which clearly defines the semi-public arrival zone of the development, where a number of functions are located: entrance and mail delivery, common room, guest rooms and small rooms for rent. Broad side stairways provide niches for relaxation. The final two buildings are conjoined, and house offices and a café.