Perfectly attuned to the contours of its trapezoidal plot, the IS House embraces a privileged southeast view over a lush green expanse. Its design draws the eye along a central axis from east to west, framing the surrounding nature as a living artwork.
The site’s natural topography, with a gentle slope from the entrance to the southwestern edge, forms the foundation for an aquatic feature. A 30-meter pool meanders through the garden, ending in a still basin surrounded by dense vegetation. Here, water flows like a quiet river over stones, with each ripple and cascade composing its melody. The effect is visual and sensory, enhancing the house’s dialogue with its environment.
Read also- Biophilia: Bringing Nature into Architecture
© Amit Geron
With 600 square meters spread across three levels, the residence conveys an unexpected sense of lightness. At its southernmost point, the structure appears to float above the ground, an illusion created through the strategic use of glass that dissolves the boundaries between floors. On the lower level, public spaces such as the office and library open completely to the garden, where reflections of water, sky, and foliage merge in constantly changing compositions.
© Amit Geron
Perhaps his most famous principle, “Less is more,” summarizes Mies’ approach to design: stripping away the unnecessary to reveal the essential. His buildings are characterized by clean lines, open floor plans, and an absence of ornamentation. This philosophy encourages architects to prioritize spatial clarity and material integrity, resulting in modern and enduring structures.
© Tomeu Canyellas
1. Heydar Aliyev Center – Zaha Hadid
1. Heydar Aliyev Center – Zaha Hadid
The folded roofline and bold structural solutions invite generous openings, allowing interiors to breathe and flow into the landscape. In the IS House, nature and architecture are inseparable: the terrain, water, and light shape a serene, integrated, and timeless living space.
