NIKA HOUSE

About

Picalla is a village within the Tirana municipality since 2015, located 8 km from the city. The area has a subtropical-Mediterranean climate, with summer temperatures averaging +24°C and winter +7°C. The terrain is hilly, offering scenic landscapes and clean air.

The project site covers 9,240 m² on a west-facing slope, with a 490 m² villa designed for a family of four. The villa is divided into three distinct volumes, each serving different functions.

Volume 1 houses daily living spaces, including a garage, kitchen, guest room, atrium, and day area. The western facade, fully glazed, allows for natural ventilation and offers panoramic views of the landscape.

Volume 2 contains a music studio, acoustically optimized with charred wood cladding. It is isolated from the rest of the house to create a quiet work environment, accessible only through the terrace.

Volume 3 is the night area, featuring bedrooms, including a master suite with a bathroom overlooking a Zen garden to the north. All bedrooms are oriented southwest, with large windows framing views of Picalla's landscape.

The villa is a "getaway" from urban stress, with sustainable design features such as geothermal heating, solar panels, and water harvesting systems. The structure uses rammed earth bricks made from local clay, providing thermal insulation and a natural cooling system. The design also integrates shading elements to protect against the summer sun.

A Zen garden and a rooftop terrace, complete with a fireplace, enhance the villa's relaxing atmosphere. Natural light, simple materials, and energy-efficient systems create a harmonious, eco-friendly retreat.