Villa 004 Ordos

project: 2008-2010
location: Ordos, Inner Mongolia
team: Kathrin Gimmel, Juerg Burger

Villa 004 responds to the 4 m topography drop of the site and elevates itself off the ground. Hovering, it allows the dune landscape to move freely and softly through the site. Being off the ground and on the higher edge of plot E, the villa obtains an extended view over the entire neighborhood and its roof scapes.

The building takes on the form of a circular disc as a primary response to the climate conditions, the northwest winds and the east south light. Like a sun clock, its diverse fenestration playfully relates to the living program and the sun light usage. As a result, the spaces are organized gradually and radially with different degrees of opacity and transparency along the exterior edge.

The circular plan, being efficient due to minimal circulation corridors, generates an intimate spatial experience through a sequence of interrelated spaces and cross views. A north south axis defines two open court yards and creates spatial complexity. The hovering villa touches the ground only selectively to accommodate an indoor and outdoor pool with auxiliary spaces.