Dezeen Magazine

Plan Bureau imagines a twin-peaked wooden house in the mountains

A mountain setting prompted the design of this conceptual wooden residence, which features two cuboid volumes rotated at 45 degrees (+ slideshow).

Valley House by Plan Bureau

Ukrainian architect Kostiantyn Kuvika, the studio principal at Plan Bureau, designed the house for a mountain setting, although he says it could be adapted for different environments. Despite its unusual shape, he insists it could feasibly be built.

Valley House by Plan Bureau

"We were aiming to create a distinctive and memorable architectural object, which would be economically efficient to construct, highly transportable and installable," Kuvika told Dezeen.

"Its functional and aesthetic characteristics should allow it to be built in different environments such as valleys, woods and mountains."

Valley House by Plan Bureau

Named Valley House, the project is visualised on a remote rural site surrounded by mountains – hence the twin-peaked profile.

Kuvika sees it as a holiday home for a family, with living spaces in its base and bedrooms in the boxy upper volumes.

Valley House by Plan Bureau

According to the architect, the structure's diagonal lines create blurred transitions between these spaces.

"The benefits of the unusual shape are panoramic scenes from different angles of view, spatial complexity and a distinctive internal space," he said. "Plus, the shape is easily recognisable."

Valley House by Plan Bureau

Glue-laminated pine would be used to build the structure, while the facade would be pine planks, treated with a waterproof finish. Pad foundations are specified to ensure it can be built anywhere.

"The main challenge was making the Valley House adjustable to the different areas, especially to the challenging mountain environment, while at the same time keeping its architectural expression," added Kuvika.

Valley House by Plan Bureau

"We chose pine timber for its sustainable, structural and thermal properties, as well as the fact that it is widespread and gives a good finish for interior and exterior surfaces," he said.

Valley House by Plan Bureau

There are no plans to build the house yet, but Plan Bureau hopes to have the chance in the future. Kuvika believes it could be rented out for short or long periods of time and would generate all of its own heating and electricity.

Valley House by Plan Bureau

"The building is not big, but it is functional," he said. "It could be a cosy holiday house for a family, or provide shelter for mountaineers or small tourist groups."

Images were produced by A Marinenko and A Koval.