Erbil House
Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Erbil House
The design of Erbil House evolved from a series of concentric rings, each devoted to a specific function – from arrival and social spaces at the centre to more private zones for family, guests and staff at the periphery. This spatial logic creates an organic plan of curving walls, courtyards and terraces that flow seamlessly between inside and out. The resulting architecture feels both grounded and dynamic, with spaces alternating between inward-looking courtyards and outward-looking terraces that embrace the surrounding hills.
The structure’s sinuous form echoes the undulating topography of the site. A sculpted concrete roof appears to hover above the glazed façade, its curved planes reflecting the movement of wind and landscape. Inside, light shifts continuously across terrazzo and natural limestone floors, brass detailing and timber surfaces. Courtyards with water features bring a cooling, reflective quality to the interior – providing shaded refuge in the heat of summer and warmth around central fires in the cooler months.
Materiality anchors the design. Off-shutter concrete contrasts with thermally treated timber, while a subtle brass ribbon traces a continuous datum line through the building, uniting spaces in a quiet rhythm. Breeze-block screens filter light and air, creating transparency and depth. From the terraces, the panoramic glass façade dissolves the boundary between structure and landscape, reinforcing the home’s essence as an architectural extension of nature.
Project Details
- Location: Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
