Daylight
Capture
Project Name
Kibbutz Patio House
Sector
Private Residential
Location
Israel
Year
2024
Project Status
Design Competition
Issuing Organization
Buildner
As rural communities in southern Israel face new challenges, reimagining their living environments has become a pressing need. The design explores home as a sanctuary, balancing
light and shadow to create spaces that foster security, reflection,
and connection.
This housing prototype, designed for a young couple, merges sustainability and well-being through Passive House standards. The design embraces light, shadow, and nature to support both physical and emotional rehabilitation. Inspired by regional architecture and Bauhaus principles, the home reimagines how spaces can aid recovery and resilience.
A Home Designed for Resilience
At the heart of this concept is a new "Patio House" typology, an innovative, sustainable solution for rebuilding homes that not only meet the physical needs of residents but also nurture their emotional recovery. The design reflects the enduring values of regional architecture, combining modern functionality with a deep respect for the natural environment. A cubic concrete form anchors the home, while a series of agricultural patios are thoughtfully positioned throughout the space, designed to capture sunlight and support the cultivation of local produce.
Harmonizing with Light and Nature
The home’s layout is carefully crafted to align with the sun’s path, creating spaces filled with soft natural light and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. The patios engage with the rhythm of nature, enhancing both the comfort of the home and its sustainability. The living room and kitchen, framed by three patios, become a central gathering space, bathed in warm, filtered sunlight. The changing patterns of light throughout the day, combined with the gentle shadows cast by the trees, evoke a sense of tranquility and invite residents to reflect, relax, and heal.
Rebuilding with Light: A New
Vision for Sustainable Housing
By integrating light, nature, and local materials, this design becomes more than just a shelter. It represents a fresh perspective on home, one that embraces the healing power of the environment to foster comfort and renewal. The design not only supports the physical needs of its inhabitants but also reflects the resilience and optimism of a community shaping its future.