Villa PP

Boroo Nuur, Mongolia, 2014

A Contemporary Rural Residence
We are proud to present our single-family house, a project that exemplifies our commitment to designing residences that not only serve their inhabitants but also establish a harmonious dialogue with the surrounding landscape. Nestled within the expansive Mongolian steppe, our design aims to blend effortlessly with the natural undulations of the hills, ensuring that the building neither imposes upon nor disrupts its environment, but rather flows as though it has always been a part of the land.
The design is fundamentally rooted in the concept of linearity. Rather than confining the form to a predetermined shape, we embraced a flexible approach that follows the gentle curves of the terrain. This allowed us to achieve a design that is both modern and sensitive to its rural context. By using local materials, we were able to camouflage the structure within the palette of natural hues typical of the Mongolian countryside, ensuring that the house subtly resonates with its setting while offering contemporary comforts.
An essential element of the brief was the inclusion of a greenhouse. The client envisioned this as a space where sustainable practices and personal touches could thrive. We located the greenhouse in the most insulated corner of the site, cleverly integrating it into our linear concept. Its design ensures that the structure benefits from the natural thermal properties of the landscape, while its form is both coherent with and complementary to the rest of the building. This thoughtful placement maximises energy efficiency and extends the functionality of the residence.
One of the most striking visual details is the single, bold black chimney. Serving a dual purpose, it connects an inner fireplace to an outdoor grill, and stands out like a robust nail anchoring the entire building to the land. This element not only provides a practical function but also acts as a clear design statement, symbolising the enduring connection between the dwelling and its rugged setting.
The layout of the house is entirely organised on one floor—a configuration that enhances the flow and accessibility throughout the home. All rooms are interconnected by a long corridor running along the northern aspect, while expansive glazed doors to the south invite the vast landscape into each interior space. This deliberate orientation takes full advantage of natural insulation properties, reducing energy consumption and creating an intimate connection between indoor and outdoor environments.
Throughout the design process, we encountered numerous challenges, chiefly in balancing the client's evolving programme with the characteristic demands of the local conditions. Several details were subsequently developed autonomously by the owner; nonetheless, we ensured that the overarching design ethos remained intact. Our task was not only to meet functional requirements but also to maintain a consistent narrative that celebrated the linearity and organic integration of the home within the Mongolian steppe.
In reflection, this project demanded an innovative yet sensitive approach, forcing us to reconcile the modern aspirations of our client with the timeless qualities of the natural environment. Through careful material selection, precise orientation, and the skilful integration of ancillary elements like the greenhouse, we have achieved a residence that is both visually striking and contextually appropriate. This project stands as a testament to our belief that architecture should celebrate its surroundings, enhance the living experience, and, above all, function in unison with the natural rhythm of its site.